Jobs saved as firm takes on part of failed business
A “SIGNIFICANT” number of jobs are to be saved after a local engineering group stepped in to take on part of Derby’s former Garrandale factory.
The engineering company, which worked on the Hadron Collider, suddenly went into administration and closed in early August with around 70 employees losing their jobs.
The collapse of the respected firm, which primarily operated in the rail industry, left people in the city shocked and saddened.
But now the industrial unit on Northbridge Business Park, in Alfreton Road, is set for a new lease of life following the expansion of local engineering group Greenbank.
As part of a deal struck with administrators and the landlord, the Swadlincote-based firm has acquired on-site plant and equipment and access to the large Unit 7 facility. Greenbank has already reemployed 12 Garrandale employees and many more are being offered new roles.
Charles Conroy, Greenbank Group managing director, said: “It was a sad day for the city when the factory closed in August, but by taking on the facility we will ensure manufacturing continues on the site. The move also marks another significant step forward in our plans for diversification and further expansion, particularly in the rail sector.”
Mr Conroy said Greenbank and Garrandale had previously worked together on the delivery of a number of contracts, including the manufacture of components for trains, rolling stock and railway infrastructure.
He said: “This is set to become an increasingly important market for us, and we have already taken on 12 former Garrandale employees and we will be making more appointments in the near future.”
News of the acquisition has been welcomed by former Garrandale clients which are now working with Greenbank, including Derby railway engineering company Loram UK.
Andrew Watson, the company’s commercial director, said: “Loram are excited to hear that Greenbank, a well-respected local firm, is looking to expand its operations and support the staff and the customer base that have long been associated with the ex-Garrandale site. Core to Loram’s philosophy and values is the employment of local people which doesn’t just stretch to our own skilled workforce but also those present within our supply chain from whom we rely on to meet our demanding customer requirements. This is great news for Loram and the railway family.”
At nearly 1,800 sq m, Unit 7 on Northbridge Business Park will add to Greenbank’s existing manufacturing and fabrication plants in Woodville; Creswell, Nottinghamshire; and Connah’s Quay, Flintshire.
Together they serve clients across a wide range of industries, including power generation, minerals processing, manufacturing and water treatment, delivering a wider range of engineering services. The Derby site has been secured on a long-term lease through Derby-based agents DB Brown Commercial.