Perspex reveals plans for Darwen factory expansion
Proposals submitted to the local council outline the plastic producer’s plans to streamline its processes and reduce its carbon footprint with the construction of a 13,000 sq ft extension to its Chapels Park site.
Perspex International’s plans, designed by Corstorphine & Wright and forming a key part of a wider £40m investment, are for a polymerisation hall and energy centre on a one-acre site next to the existing factory off Goose House Lane,
It is hoped the scheme will allow Perspex to consolidate its Darwen operations into one location.
As part of the centralisation, the firm’s Orchard Mill site on the A666 would be sold for re-development.
The company also has sites in Leeds, Tamworth, Weybridge, and Chelmsford.
Operations director, Bryan Welch, said the investment will build upon the company’s relationship with Darwen.
“Perspex first came to the town during the Second World War as it was seen as a safe place for the plant, which was manufacturing Spitfire canopies,” he said.
“Perspex acrylic has been a leading brand in plastic since the 1930s and Darwen is the only production site for Perspex across the whole of the UK.”
He added: “This major new investment demonstrates our commitment to the town, it will allow us to modernise and streamline the way we work and allow us to become much greener – reducing CO2 emissions and water consumption, something we are passionate about.”
Perspex’s plans are being supported with a chunk of the £25m Darwen Town Deal, which the council says could leverage up to £100m of inward investment.
Cllr Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and deputy chair of Darwen Town Deal, said: “We are incredibly proud of our reputation for partnership working and supporting our businesses in the borough – helping them to grow and succeed.
“We took the £25m of government Town Deal funding and we’ve worked incredibly hard to leverage major investment for the town, including these impressive proposals for the future of Perspex International.
He added: “We will continue to work hard to secure major new investment for our towns as part of our £1bn vision for the future and our mission to ensure no-one is left behind.”
Other projects aimed at boosting Darwen’s manufacturing pedigree include an additive manufacturing accelerator due to be occupied by Sheffield Universities’ AMRC and a new HQ for Brookhouse, which makes parts for planes.
To learn more about Perspex’s plans, search for application reference 10/24/0729 on Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning portal.
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