9th December 2002
FIRST OCCUPIER WILL CREATE UP TO 70 JOBS AT PARK SPRINGS

The first company to move into one of four purpose-built manufacturing units at Park Springs strategic site in Grimethorpe could create up to 70 jobs in its first year of operation.

Mid Bulk Limited, part of Midlands-based MIP Limited, will manufacture flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), commonly known as ‘big bags’, for supply to the food, chemical, fertiliser and building industries from its new 15,000 sq ft facility.

Up to 30 new jobs in engineering, printing, production and management will be created when the company moves on site in January 2003. A further 30-40 positions should then follow by June.

One of the leading manufacturers of FIBCs, MIP Limited was established in 1903 and has a 50, 000 sq ft facility at Halesowen, Birmingham. Here it employs 60 people manufacturing speciality films and flexibile packaging for a diverse range of markets from salt to soap powder, grass to grain seed, throughout the UK and Ireland.

The new factory in Barnsley represents the first stage of a major expansion programme for the firm. Commenting on the establishment of its Barnsley site, Mid Bulk managing director Kevan Upperdine said: “Two key factors made us choose Park Springs – the excellent location and the availability of both skilled and unskilled labour.

“We needed a facility in the north of England as we distribute throughout the UK. Park Springs is a quality site, which has excellent motorway links. The build quality of the unit is good and the price was reasonable.

“We have also been delighted with the excellent response to our first job advertisement here, which gives us confidence that we can build a good team in Barnsley.”

Three of the four high quality speculative units developed by Yorkshire Forward at Park Springs are now under offer. Located alongside Grimethorpe’s new £9.5m link road, they offer access to the A1, M1, and M62 in a matter of minutes. The remaining unit of 5,000 sq ft is available for purchase or to lease.

Shaun Higginbottom of Grimethorpe Regeneration Executive and Barnsley Development Agency, commented: “That the largest unit should be the first to be occupied is a great vote of confidence in Grimethorpe as a location for business.

“These units form an important part of the overall regeneration strategy for Grimethorpe which will bring new jobs and stimulate inward investment at a local level. We look forward to welcoming Mid Bulk on site soon.”

Park Springs has funding from Yorkshire Forward, English Partnerships, European Regional Development Fund (Objective One Programme), Single Regeneration Budget, as well as private sector investment from UK Coal and Barnsley Miller Partnership.

The new units are built on 34 acres of former mining land which has been reclaimed for redevelopment. A further 50 acres should be available by the end of the year, with 10 more released in February 2003 and the final 15 acres available for business by June 2004.




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