Getting busy with the fizzy!
New jobs as cleaning product specialist launches latest venture – with help from Michelin
THEY can feed your plants, clean your windows and de-scale your kettle – and they’re responsible for new jobs in Stoke-on-trent.
Burslem-based Future Developments’ is moving into markets with its new venture effervescent tablets in tubes.
The cleaning product company has had help from Michelin Development as it expands its manufacturing base.
The tablets work with water to take effect and have multiple uses including plant feed, screen wash and appliance de-scaling.
They significantly reduce packaging waste and use fewer transportation resources, as well as needing less storage and shelf space for distributors and retailers.
Michelin Development has supported the company with a low-cost loan to help introduce new manufacturing equipment to meet demand for the tablets, with five new members of staff recruited by Future Developments to run the facility. They join the company’s 17-strong team at its Burslem site, where it has manufactured cleaning products since the 1980s for distribution in UK and international markets.
Future Developments MD Dave Williams said the new venture followed a ‘great deal of work’ on the research and development
He added: “We’ve been able to build a new tablet-manufacturing plant, which will enable us to meet stringent quality controls, and ramp up production to meet demand. We’ve always focused on sustainability, including operating a comprehensive bottle-filling service for our products.
“Now, with the tablet system in production, we can achieve even greater efficiencies.”
Mr Williams said Michelin Development recognised the environmental angle of the company’s work.
Michelin Development works in regions where Michelin premises are, or have been, located to support the economic regeneration and longterm prosperity of the local business community.
Targeted at manufacturing, engineering or service sector (B2B) businesses with fewer than 250 employees, loans of up to £100,000 are available, and can be used to lever additional funding.
Carol Hopkins, of Michelin Development, said “Future Developments is supporting new manufacturing techniques, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
“It is delivering new products and processes to reach new markets, creating new jobs and supporting a more sustainable approach.”