Consent triggers £14m Solomon investment

The Rossendale-based firm, a specialist in temperature-controlled vehicles, will expand its Kingsway headquarters following the approval.

Solomon Commercials said the purpose-built facility will comprise a 40,000 sq ft production and warehouse building with mezzanine, a 17,600 sq ft office building, and 175,000 sq ft of external storage space.

Together, these facilities will support increased manufacturing capacity, improved logistics, and future growth.

The professional team includes Barrowford Architects, planner Connollys, Miller Goodall, Ascerta, TPM Landscape and Adept.

The expansion was teed up by Solomon acquiring 11 acres next to its Kingsway HQ early in 2025. By adding to operations here, Solomon can bring all operations back into Rossendale, reducing vehicle movements between sites.

Anthony Clegg, managing director at Solomon Commercials, said: “ With deep roots in the Rossendale area, securing this land allows us to protect the future of our business and continue providing secure employment for our 450 employees, while reaffirming our long-standing commitment to the local community.”

Solomon Commercials was founded in 1976 and remains a family-owned Rossendale business, reportedly now the borough’s largest employer and one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of temperature controlled vehicles.

The development includes enhancement of existing woodland and grassland, improvements to a site pond to boost biodiversity, and additional planting, with scope for bird and wildlife habitats to be incorporated.

Chairman Mark Solomon spoke at the development control committee that approved the plans, describing the project as “by far the biggest investment we have ever made” adding that it would give the firm “a fair chance of being here for another 50 years.”

The expansion site had previously been allocated for residential development.

Documents relating to the application can be seen on Rossendale’s planning portal, reference 2025/0327.