Manufacturers and importers of sports, leisure and work wear, ABL International (UK) Ltd, has recently acquired a new 10,000 sq ft unit at Bretton Court on Park Springs Business Park, Grimethorpe.

From left to right: ABL’s Company Secretary, Janine Hegarty and Director, Mike Hegarty; Chris Rowlands and BDA’s Ann Glews outside ABL’s new premises at Park Springs.

Established in May 2004, ABL UK now design and supply high quality professional sportswear for some of the UK’s well-known football clubs, together with major companies such as Asda to provide a wide range of workwear, all at competitive prices.

ABL UK are also currently working on an order to supply clothing for a prestigious William Wallace 700 years commemoration event, taking place in Lanark, Scotland and London on various dates in August. This prestigious event will be attended by Mel Gibson, the producer, writer and star of the film ‘Braveheart’.

ABL UK currently employ a workforce of six people but following the move, they now plan to take on up to an additional nine employees within the next six to nine months. The company also predict sales to quadruple over the next year.

Looking for a long-term business solution, ABL relocated from their premises in Leeds after realising the many benefits that Barnsley has to offer. Attracted by the town’s central location and excellent transport links, ABL clearly identified Grimethorpe as a growth area and realised the significant opportunities it can offer as a business location.

ABL UK’s new unit at Park Springs Business Park is part of a £1.85 million development, completed in October 2004 by Priority Sites, one of the most active commercial developers in England.

Agent for the scheme, Chris Rowlands of Chris Rowlands & Co said, “The fact that all three units have been sold and occupied soon after completion demonstrates the success of this speculative development. It has created a number of jobs in the area and also stimulated further business growth in the surrounding location.”

Mike Hegarty, Director of ABL UK Ltd, added, “We are delighted to have relocated to Grimethorpe and believe our new location provides a long term solution with all the requirements we need to achieve sustained business growth.”

Ann Glews, Business Development Officer at BDA concludes, “We are delighted that ABL UK has chosen to relocate here in Barnsley and welcome the opportunities they will be creating in the local area. BDA wish them every success and will offer any available support to assist the company in their future plans."

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