The Gloucestershire-based metrology and sensor equipment manufacturer has bought Bosch's old factory outside Cardiff and has announced expansion plans at all three of its sites.
The company today said that it was launching a series of initiatives, designed to provide the additional capacity required for its forecast business growth over the longer term. These include the acquisition of the soon to be vacant Bosch manufacturing facility, located to the west of Cardiff, Wales, and the submission of planning applications to extend three of its existing facilities in Gloucestershire.
Late last week, Renishaw exchanged contracts to acquire the Bosch manufacturing facility in Miskin, South Wales which offers 461,000 sq ft of existing factory space, including a 10,000 sq ft clean room facility. As the existing Bosch operations are to be relocated, the purchase won’t be complete until September 30, 2011.
Renishaw’s chairman and chief executive Sir David McMurtry (Pictured) said of the new acquisition: “This is a rare opportunity to acquire a high quality manufacturing facility in a location that has excellent transport links and a local population with skills relevant to our business.”
“Whilst it is too early to say exactly what products will ultimately be manufactured in Wales, any employment created at the site will not be at the expense of permanent jobs in Gloucestershire,” he added.
Renishaw is in discussions with Stroud District Council regarding a possible extension to its headquarters site at New Mills near Wotton-under-Edge where it is seeking amendments to existing planning consent to allow a phased development of up to 225,000 sq ft.
The company is also discussing further applications for a 50,000 sq ft extension to its healthcare products facility at Charfield, and a 35,000 sq ft extension to its machine shop at Stonehouse.
George Archer
