Hundreds of jobs secured as Retford manufacturer moves to new HQ

Some 100 jobs are set to be created in Retford with the next phase of the town’s Northern Tower regeneration project.

The news comes as Icon Aerospace moves into its new R&D and office facility in the Tower after redevelopment works carried out Strawsons Property.

The move has secured the company’s continued presence, and hundreds of advanced manufacturing jobs, in the town.

The facility will mean an increase in productivity and output, coupled with a sizable reduction in its physical and environmental footprint.

Icon Aerospace continued to operate and service its international clients including Airbus, Boeing and Rolls Royce throughout the two-year modernisation of the site.

The scheme has seen Strawsons Property totally overhaul the 300 year old site with plans for work to start on the Northern Tower Retail Park later this year. The final phase of the redevelopment aims to enhance the retail selection and shopping experience available within Retford town centre.

Adam Jones of Strawsons Property said: “We are immensely proud to deliver this very exciting regeneration project that has secured Icon Aerospace’s presence and their 300 high skilled jobs in our home town of Retford.

“With the works for Icon Aerospace now completed we look forward to starting work on the Northern Tower Retail Park that will create an additional 100 jobs and dramatically improve the amenities available in the town.

“The retail park has already received a lot of interest from the UK’s leading retailers in grocery, fashion, home and DIY and general merchandise, and we are confident that it will form an integral and much valued part of the town and local community.”

Tim Hair, chief executive of Icon’s parent Applied Composites Group, said: “Icon has been at the centre of Retford for well over a century and we are delighted that, working closely with Strawsons Property, we have been able to stay on the site while moving to excellent new factory and office buildings.

“Icon Aerospace Technology supplies critical parts to the aerospace and defence industry and we look forward to continued growth. The Northern Tower development gives us a world class facility from which to pursue our plans.”