Russell rebuilds Rochdale plastics unit

Russell Construction has completed a 12,500 sq ft building on Kingsway business park for Rochdale-based Taylor Engineering & Plastics to replace its original base which was destroyed by fire in April 2011.

The completion of the £600,000, five-month build, enables the company to reinstate full capacity at its Kingsway site. Following the blaze, TEP was able to redeploy staff and contracts across its other four manufacturing locations in Rochdale.

Scott Taylor, manufacturing director, said: "It is hugely satisfying to see the new facility complete, marking an important step in putting the impact of the fire behind us. It was vital that the build was finished as quickly as possible so we could return our focus to the ongoing development of the company, and we're very pleased with the efforts of Russells to complete the scheme within an aggressive time frame.

"We have worked hard since April to ensure the fire did not impact upon our customers or our staff and were lucky to have other sites nearby to which we could redeploy resource. We're pleased we were able to ensure that no one lost their job or had to be laid off, and that we completed all customer orders as planned. With the new facility currently being fitted out with new plant, we're looking forward to business as usual."

Russells Construction was responsible for the demolition of the fire damaged building and rebuild of the new unit, a steel frame construction. Two adjoining buildings, which were partially damaged by heat and smoke, were refurbished and will house further production capacity. Thomasons Engineers were responsible for the design and management of the project.

Gareth Russell, construction director of Russells Construction added: "The construction itself was fairly straightforward but we were aware of how important it was for the programme to stay on track to meet the client's own deadline. Our project manager has worked closely with the whole supply chain to ensure the scheme was completed on schedule, despite challenging weather conditions, to enable this timely handover."

Russells Construction has a strong track record for industrial new build and refurbishments. Last year the company was responsible for the new Duerrs Jam factory in Runcorn and a new facility for stationery supplier Lockie in Withins Lane, Haydock.