One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of PVC-U windows, doors and conservatories, has been gearing up to push their portal business to the forefront of the industry.

(From left to right) BDA's, Shaun Higginbottom, Sash UK Ltd Joint Managing Directors, Stephen Morrell and David Ruzicka, Priority Sites, Karen McFarlane and RSY’s Nigel Tipple.

Barnsley based Sash UK Ltd has recently acquired a new 15,000 sq ft unit at Bretton Court on Park Springs Business Park to accommodate portal production to service both the UK and fast growing US Markets. The new building will be located opposite Sash’s headquarters in Barnsley and will take Sash’s manufacturing facilities to 130,000 sq ft. The company will this year be celebrating its 40th anniversary and is one of Barnsley’s largest and fastest growing employers currently employing 215 local people.

Sash’s Joint Managing Director, David Ruzicka adds, “Since beginning portal production at Sash, we have witnessed an increase in demand for large glass structures and our specially designed portal system has proved highly successful in commercial applications for pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels.”

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

Paul Barber, Chief Executive of Priority Sites – the joint venture between The Royal Bank of Scotland and national regeneration agency English Partnerships – said: “Our target when developing Bretton Court was to provide accommodation for existing local businesses looking to move to larger, more modern premises. We are delighted that a company as prestigious as Sash UK – that provides so many jobs in Barnsley - has selected one of our units, enabling the business to expand yet remain in the town and in close proximity to its headquarters.”

Nigel Tipple, Head of Strategic Development at Renaissance South Yorkshire, the organisation created by Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency and the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield to help deliver major projects to transform the region’s economic and physical environment, said: “Sash UK is a significant employer in the Barnsley area and a very successful business with ambitious plans for its future. It is tremendous news that the company’s requirements for a major expansion of its facilities are able to be accommodated at Park Springs and a demonstration of how such developments can help local businesses grow and prosper to the benefit of the region. The company’s expansion is an endorsement for the area and is a signal to others looking to move here.”

Sash UK has enjoyed a long-term relationship with Barnsley Development Agency (BDA) who have facilitated substantial grant funding for the company’s export initiative and have provided information and advice to support the rapid growth of the company.

Jeff Pickering, Economic Development Manager at BDA concludes, “It is great news for the company and local economy that Sash are further expanding their operations and we wish them all the best with their new unit.”