Yorkshire-based manufacturing business Really Useful Products, which operates across 13 countries and has a £40m turnover, has kicked off ambitious expansion plans by appointing contractors to commence work on the first phase.
Mike Pickles, Chief Executive, is spearheading the creation of a new 13.3 acre purpose-built facility in Wakefield which will quadruple the size of the business’s UK operation and result up to 750 more jobs in the region.
However, the development will be anything but conventional and has resulted in contractors vying for the chance to be involved in the landmark scheme.
Lambert Smith Hampton has been appointed to project manage the four phase project, which will incorporate a large manufacturing and storage facility and a six-storey office building which will incorporate one of the firm’s product lines within the building’s design.
Lancashire-based Barnfield Construction is currently working on the £11.5m contract for the project’s first phase, the creation of a 204,000 sqft factory. Unlike most manufacturing facilities, which tend to favour function over form, the new factory is taking design inspiration from the fashion world and feng shui consultants, whilst also aiming to achieve maximum energy efficiency.
Mike Pickles, CEO, Really Useful products explained: “Our current site has no expansion space so our dream is to create a new manufacturing facility that will support our growing business. As a business, we are constantly producing exciting and interesting product designs and we want our new facility to reflect this.
“We have absolutely no building experience so we have engaged with Gayle Taylor from Lambert Smith Hampton, who is project managing the whole scheme for us and is bringing on-board the necessary contractors.”
This initial phase is due for completion in Autumn 2016, with plans to start phase two in 2017.
Gayle Taylor, head of building consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton explained: “Lambert Smith Hampton has a pretty impressive track record when it comes to project management, particularly for owner occupiers, which will stand us in good stead for the Really Useful Products build.
“This is a really exciting and ambitious project to be involved in. The designs are iconic and some of the processes unusual in the sense that we are working with a feng shui consultant. As a result, we are having to veer away from some of the conventional ways of doing things, whilst also remaining mindful of budget and timescales.”
