Staffordshire technology firm bids to create 80 new jobs

A STAFFORDSHIRE technology firm is set to create 80 new jobs over the next five years after opening its new £3m headquarters.

Gas technology supplier Orbital has created state-of-the-art manufacturing and research facilities at its Swynnerton site to provide a springboard for the company’s international growth.
 
The company was originally set up in Market Drayton 31 years ago and has grown into an operation employing 120 people.

 The firm provides engineering solutions to the oil, gas, petrochemical and environmental industries, and has created the system that adds the odour to all domestic gas supplies.
 
Ahead of the opening of the new base, Richard Law, managing director of Orbital UK, hosted a visit by members of the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce. The chamber was responsible for delivering a £300,000 investment into the new facility, which had been supplied by the Regional Growth Fund (RGF).

William Clough, CEO of CUI Global, Orbital’s parent company, said: “We’re committed to creating jobs and wealth within the region and the construction of this facility represents an exciting milestone in Orbital’s growth.
 
“The vast majority of procurement and employment undertaken during the construction phase was retained within the locality of Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire.”

Matt Hustwit, Jobs and Growth Fund Programme Manager at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, added: “Orbital’s success is a great example of how the RGF can help businesses to grow and create employment. The new site is really impressive and will doubtless be a catalyst for the company’s continued success.”

The Orbital funding bid was made under round three of the RGF and the chamber is currently assessing bids for the £4m available in round five.

Pictured getting a sneak preview of the new base are: Back row (l-r) Sam Clews, Orbital Infrastructure Manager, Adele Cope, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Business Services Manager, Kelly Thelwell, Events co-ordinator – Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Matt Hustwit, Programme Manager, Jobs & Growth Fund – Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.

Front row (l-r) Richard Law, Emma Smith, Department for Communities and Local Government Project Manager, Sharon Harding, Local Enterprise Partnership Finance Board Member, and Sara Williams, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.