Burgeoning manufacturing company Staitech has taken a major step forward with plans to build its first purpose-built HQ.
The company has acquired two adjoining plots from property developers Robert Hitchins Ltd, at Stonehouse Park near Stroud.
It intends to construct two new buildings totally 17,500 sq ft. Since 2003 it has operated from 3,200 sq ft of rented premises in Hope Mill Lane, Brimscombe.
The move is the latest milestone in a 20-year success story for Managing Director Andrew Ferguson who established Staitech in 1997.
With a background in engineering and sales, he developed an interest in the pharmaceutical market whilst on a work placement in the USA.
“When I came back to the UK, the market was developing for this sort of product and there was an opportuntiy to develop with it, so I started my own company. Now my previous employer is a very good customer,” said Mr Ferguson.
Staitech has grown to become one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of high purity system components to the pharmaceutical industry.
Mr Ferguson aims to build a production and office facility on part of the new site by 2018, providing a modern environment for its state-of-the-art machinery.
A planning application will be prepared for Stroud District Council later this year.
Once the move is complete, Mr Ferguson is hoping to expand and take on more staff. There are currently 12 people working at Brimscombe.
Senior Development Manager for Robert Hitchins Ltd, Michael Plimmer, wished the company success with its new venture.
“We’re delighted that Staitech, a local company with impressive expansion plans, has chosen to come to Stonehouse Park, further strengthening the location as a vibrant and successful business park,” he said.
“Last year saw the opening of the new Sartorius factory, a new 9-million Euro, 50,000 sq ft facility provided by Robert Hitchins Ltd. There is now just one plot available for development at the park entrance.”
Staitech designs and manufactures pipeline products such as steam traps, sample coolers and non-return valves for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries including many of the world’s leading drug producers.
More than 50 per cent of its products are sold globally.
Staitech also acts as a distributor for several key manufacturers of high-purity valves and equipment.
Robert Hitchins Ltd, based at Boddington, Gloucestershire, is one of the leading property developers and investors in the South West and South Wales. It deals with the full process from site acquisition and planning through to development and investment.
