New jobs for Telford as airport specialist expands operations

Bakerbellfield, which supplies commercial interiors for airports, trains, offices and the education sector, is to invest about £1.6 million in the latest project, including land costs.

The company has been left looking for additional space after outgrowing its 50,000 sq ft factory on on the Hortonwood Industrial Estate, and will kick off work on the new 20,000 sq ft unit to add to its existing capacity this month.

Shrewsbury developer Morris Property has been appointed to build the unit, which includes offices, a car park and service yard. It is expected to be completed next spring.

Peter Baker, chairman of Bakerbellfield, said: “Our workload has increased enormously with future orders coming in. We did look for alternative premises to give us more space but we could not find the right size.

“We decided on a purpose-built factory and chose Morris Property because of its experience and reputation for quality work. It is also a family business like we are and shares similar values.”

The development will create seven to 10 skilled jobs and also allow for future expansion. Bakerbellfield, part of the Rekab Group, currently employs 65 people.

Established in 1984, the company built its Telford factory in 1989. Its work includes check-in-counters, security lane furniture and wall linings for high profile sites such as Heathrow Airport. it also works in the rail sector, fitting out the inside of trains.

Steve Flavell, construction manager at Morris Property said: “We are delighted that Bakerbellfield has appointed us to build the new factory to support its growth. We have already delivered two units at Hortonwood West for Telford and Wrekin Council so we know the site well.”

Cyril Orchard Group is the agent and quantity surveyor for the scheme. Operations director Rob Orchard said: “We are pleased to be involved in this exciting project and look forward to a successful completion for our client.”