Work has started on a 40,000ft² custom-built headquarters for Blackpool-based manufacturing company Multi-Ply Components Ltd, one of the world’s leading specialists in the design and manufacture of carbon fibre composite components for the medical X-ray equipment industry. The multi-million pound advanced manufacturing facility is the first council-backed unit to be built as part of the Phase One development plans for Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, located at the eastern end of the existing business park.

Founded in 1987 by Peter Bourne, the move will enable Multi-Ply to consolidate three existing sites in Inskip and Great Eccleston, housing all the existing staff of 67, creating further jobs with the move and up to a total of 100 jobs over the next five years. The new site also provides the company with additional land for further expansion.

Planning was originally approved in October 2019 and Blackpool Council has now entered into a building contract for the construction of the proposed development with Multi-Ply taking the unit on a 25-year-long leasehold term.

Multi-Ply director Sue Bourne said: “We are extremely excited to start the construction of our new premises which will take approximately nine months to build. We have been falling over ourselves in our current units and all the staff are eagerly anticipating working in brand new, purpose-built premises.

“This will have a major impact on all aspects of our business. As well as increasing our productivity and efficiency, it will improve the overall well-being of our staff with a new staff canteen, changing rooms, break out areas and being close to other local amenities on Blackpool Retail Park.”

She added: “The new premises will enable us to expand and continue to grow our business which involves supplying key components to the medical imaging market world-wide. We were struggling to find new premises that met our requirements for our complex manufacturing process. Being able to build a bespoke unit, exactly the way we want it will be transformational in the way we operate. We are excited for what the future holds and can’t wait for moving in day.”

Multi-Ply managing director Peter Appleton added: “I am pleased to be on site as it means we are one step closer to realising our ambitions for the company’s long-term growth and happy to be able to contribute to the wider economic growth of the Fylde Coast.

“There are some very successful companies situated here at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone and we are delighted to be part of this burgeoning business community.”

Steve Fogg, chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, which contributed £800,000 through Growth Deal funding said: ”The development will contribute to the continuing transformation of Blackpool as a great place to do business and provides an excellent boost to the wider Fylde Coast economy.

“Multi-Ply is testament to the strengths we have in advanced manufacturing right here in Lancashire and I am delighted that we have been able to retain this highly skilled workforce within our county under the supportive watch of Blackpool.”