Cllr Thompson with Andrew Ainsworth of BDA (far left) and representatives of Portwest and SOL Construction at the official ground breaking ceremony of the new Portwest UK headquarters.

Portwest Ltd are firmly established as a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative, high quality workwear and have distribution centres throughout Europe, supported by factories in Ireland, the UK and China.

Michael Kirby, General Manager of Portwest UK is thrilled with this new project. "Our business continues to grow at a phenomenal rate and we identified some time ago that we needed a bigger and better facility which would house all the different elements of our business under one roof. This new development will allow us to achieve our goal – the highest level of customer service in our industry - and we are committed to achieving this".

Tuesday 10 January saw the official ground breaking ceremony at the site, attended by Cathal Hughes, Portwest Chairman, Harry Hughes, Managing Director of Portwest, Andrew Ainsworth, Business Development Officer at BDA, Councillor Thompson, BMBC and other Portwest and SOL representatives.

Andrew Ainsworth, BDA, commented, "We are pleased to see the start on site by SOL Construction at Fields End Business Park. The scheme is a welcome investment in the area by Portwest and we look forward to working with the company in the future to secure further job creating projects and development."

Harry Hughes was equally enthusiastic about the project. "We regard this investment as pivotal to meeting the increased customer demand across Europe for Portwest products. We are currently entering a number of new markets and progressing with new product development. This building not only enables us to meet this new demand but also fulfil our strategic growth plans for the future. We are delighted to be working with the BDA and thank them for their support thus far".

The building, part of major redevelopment on the outskirts of Barnsley, will have a metal clad steel portal frame with a sloping roof. The three storey air-conditioned offices at the front will be delivered completely fitted out.

Ancillary works include concrete hardstandings of 7,500 sq m, kerbs, fencing, landscaping, drainage and external lighting.

SOL’s managing director, Adrian Whiteside, says, "This design and build project is the first we’ve undertaken for The Barnsley Miller Partnership. I believe SOL’s proven track record in this area of construction, and our customer-focussed approach, have been major factors in our appointment. I’m certain this building will be an excellent facility and play its part in the sustainable redevelopment of this part of South Yorkshire.

SOL Design and Build is working with The Barnsley Miller Partnership and their representative DBK Back, working from their growing Manchester Office; along with Aedas Architects; and Gifford & Partners, structural and services engineers.