Telford set for 70 jobs as new factory is planned

Wheelie bins and pallets manufacturer Craemer, which already has a large factory beside the A442 at Hortonwood, has bought a 5.3 hectare site at nearby Hortonwood West.

The German-headquartered company will use the new factory to expand its production facilities.

Assuming the company wins planning permission for the site, construction will begin in mid-November, and is expected to be completed in November next year.

Steve Poppitt, managing director of Craemer UK, said: “This new site in Telford really gives us the room we need to grow and step up production, allowing us to meet client demand and fulfil our ongoing commitment to both product and market development.

"We’re confident that our investment in this new facility and the creation of additional resources within our UK manufacturing platform will allow Craemer to strengthen its position in domestic, European and global markets for many years to come.”

Craemer opened in Hortonwood 1 in 2006, since when it has grown its sales from £5 million to £25.5 million. It has grown its share of the wheelie bin market from five to 50 per cent, supplying half the country's councils as well as providing the environmental, logistics and manufacturing industries with plastic pallets.

The company had revealed its intentions to increase investment in the town when Trade Minister Mark Garnier visited the firm in March.

The latest investment, the value of which has not been disclosed, is the latest in a series of inward investments in Telford, following Hortonwood West neighbour Rosewood Pet Products – which is moving to the town from Broseley – and aluminium castings supplier Magna International, which is creating 300 jobs with its factory at T54 at Nedge Hill.

The borough attracted £114million in foreign direct investment in 2016/17 – a seven-fold increase on the previous year – and Telford & Wrekin Council leader Shaun Davies welcomed the latest move.

Mr Davies, who is also an ambassador for Enterprise Telford, the inward investment organisation, said: “By working with the Homes and Communities Agency, the council’s Land Deal programme has empowered it to prepare and sell sites direct to businesses, offering a truly soft landing, logistical assistance and advice.

"It’s brilliant to see Craemer now, subject to planning permission, wanting to build on its success and committing to a long-term future in Telford.

“This investment would create many new jobs and support the region’s status as a manufacturing centre of excellence. It’s yet another very clear sign of the strength of business confidence in Telford and what it has to offer.”

Karl Tupling, general manager for the Midlands for the HCA added: “The Telford Land Deal is giving Telford & Wrekin Council the opportunity to take responsibility for the marketing and disposal of remaining HCA land holdings.

“It’s fantastic to see this latest announcement from Craemer Holdings, which is one of a series of investments helping to secure jobs in Telford. This in turn means increased demand for new homes and the HCA is also working closely with Telford & Wrekin Council to develop significant housing in the town.”