Grinnall Specialist Cars is expanding with the purchase of a brown-field site of approximately 2 acres in Stourport-on-Severn, just over a mile away from their current premises in Heightington, Nr Bewdley.
The purchase has been made possible through a grant of just over £37,000 from the Worcestershire Expansion Programme and the company investing just over £300,000.
The Worcestershire Expansion Programme, which is supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund and delivered locally by Worcestershire County Council on behalf of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, was put in place to enable local companies to realise their growth potential, strengthen their position in the market and lever in private investment, safeguard jobs and to increase productivity and growth.
Grinnall Specialist Cars has established its global reputation as a stylish, high quality sports car and 3-wheeler manufacturer. Having seen 100% increase in sales during 2014 over the previous year, the company needed larger premises to increase capacity and productivity to meet their increasing market demand as well as further develop their American exports. The company has also invested in the development of new products and ancillary products boosting sales and profits while also benefitting local supply chains.
The new site which will help secure the company’s future within the County has resulted in four new jobs being created and if sales continue to grow as expected, further full-time positions could be created in 2015/16.
Founder of Grinnall Specialist Cars, Mark Grinnall, said: “Expanding our operation by creating more space for efficient production and adding a boutique-feel showroom will enable us to significantly grow year on year.
“Funding through the Worcestershire Expansion Programme funding has been hugely beneficial to speed up the whole process and ultimately create more jobs. My gratitude also extends to Wyre Forest District Council for their support without which this could not have happened.”
Gary Woodman, Executive Director of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “It is fantastic to see the positive impact that the Worcestershire Expansion Programme has had upon a company within one of Worcestershire’s key economic sectors, advanced manufacturing.
“Worcestershire is more than able to accommodate the needs of growing businesses and the expanded premises and growing workforce for Grinnall Specialist Cars within the County is great news.”
Simon Geraghty, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Infrastructure, added: “Having visited Grinnall Specialist Cars I know just how important this funding is to their future plans and it’s a great example of the Worcestershire Expansion Programme in action, supporting the growth of businesses in the county. Initiatives like this are part of our wider Open For Business priority to support the local economy and create new jobs.”
The Worcestershire Expansion Programme overall has seen £2,265,892 invested levering £13,789,205 from the private sector. The programme will safeguarded 103 existing jobs and created 240 new positions.
