Rubber R&D site moves on site
Construction of a research and manufacturing facility is underway in Wrexham for Clwyd Compounders.
Manchester’s Russells Construction is on site building the 65,000 sq ft structure at the Wrexham Industrial Estate. The project is set to complete in November 2016.
The new facility will see the custom rubber compounding specialist move its 70-strong team from the Gardden Industrial Estate, where it has been based for 35 years.
All of Clwyd’s operations will be based at the new centre, including research and development laboratories, production and warehouse facility, offices and staff amenity areas.
Sarah Haywood, director of Clwyd Compounders, said: “The business has long outgrown its current premises, and we are delighted to have found a new site within seven miles, which will enable us to retain our loyal local workforce, while taking advantage of a much better location. We are looking towards a future where we can expand both our technical services and our overall manufacturing capacity, and this move is key to that ambition.
“This is a significant investment for our business, but a necessary one to ensure we can continue to innovate and develop new compounds, extend the production lines and meet the demands of our UK and international customer base. We selected Russells Construction for this project on the basis of their reputation, experience of similar projects, and a like-minded approach towards customer service and support.”
The Russells team took on the £4.8m project from the early design phase and through the planning process, with the support of Cube Architecture. The scheme, which is being built on the site of an old logistics premises on Abbey Road, involves ground remediation, construction of a steel frame, and fit out of individual elements including cleanroom laboratories and office space.
Gareth Russell, director of Russells Construction, said: “Ground remediation and foundations are now complete, with the steel frame and cladding all progressing on programme. By November, this derelict site will have been totally transformed and Clwyd Compounders will have a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility which will enable the growth of the business land support high quality local jobs long into the future.”
He added: “We are pleased that our expertise in the delivering of large manufacturing and R&D facilities has helped to secure the project. The team has been working closely with the client to determine the design and specification, and make sure the project can be delivered within the budget and timeframe. Being involved right from the outset has allowed us to introduce methods, materials and priorities which ensure the project achieves the client’s aspirations without exceeding that budget.”
