The year ended on a high note for everyone concerned with bringing jobs to Gloucestershire with the announcement by timber-frame builders Prestoplan it was investing £6 million in a new factory at Quedgeley.
St Modwen Developments, which owns the site, has now started work on a new 94,000 sq ft factory for Prestoplan, which will bring 100 new jobs to the area.
Company operations director Andrew Underwood said: “After searching an area from Bristol to Birmingham we found this site with the help of Gloucestershire First. Geographically it is right, with the space we need, excellent access and staff availability looks good.”
Prestoplan was welcomed to the county in December by Gloucestershire First chairman Michael Tallett-Williams. “This news was a great Christmas present for Gloucestershire, having attracted Prestoplan to Quedgeley West against tough competition from elsewhere in the region,” said Michael.
“Manufacturing jobs are greatly valued in this county and we extend a very warm welcome to Prestoplan and congratulate developers St Modwen and everyone associated with this project on their success.
“I understand some 100 new jobs will be created in the months ahead bringing new life to this former MoD site, which has tremendous potential as an excellent business location.”
Rob Skelston, senior development surveyor with St Modwen, said Prestoplan’s decision to come to Quedgeley was a milestone in the development of the business park.
“This will be the first scheme since outline planning approval for 530,000 sq ft was obtained in 2004 and we are very pleased to have secured this company against keen regional competition.”
Prestoplan, which is owned by Taylor Woodrow and is based in Preston, has been making timber frames for the construction industry for 35 years and is active in both private and social housing sectors, hotels, care homes, student and key worker accommodation.
Timber frame housing is growing in popularity according to the UK Timber Frame Association. Market share grew by 18 per cent in 2004 and now accounts for 17 per cent of all houses built in the UK.
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Issued on behalf of Gloucestershire First by Tony Haynes Eastwood Public Relations tel 01242 253707. 3/11/05.