HydraForce set to create hundreds of jobs with opening of new factory
BIRMINGHAM-based manufacturer HydraForce is set to create hundreds of new jobs after it begins its move into its new factory.
Construction of the new plant at the city’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub in Aston began last autumn and staff at the firm have been relocating from its former premises close to the city centre in time for an official opening next month.
The new facility will also serve as the European headquarters for HydraForce, which specialises in the engineering and manufacturing of hydraulic manifolds and selected cartridge valves. Around 80% of the goods produced in the UK are destined for export.
The 120,000 sq ft factory represents a £17m investment by the company and will support the expansion of the hydraulics business. This strategy will also see the business create more than 200 new jobs over the next five years.
This new facility, located just two miles away from the existing plant, offers 75,000 sq ft more space and will eventually employ around 500 people.
It has seen the installation of 22 new value assembly and test cells, with room to add a further 30 for new valve models including next generation powertrain valves and high pressure HyPerformance valves.
There are also eight new manifold lines with room to add a further 12 for European custom hydraulic manifold requirements.
HydraForce said the close proximity of the existing factory to the new site had ensured a smooth transition with no disruption to production.
The company received a £1.8m grant from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund towards the purchase of the 6.7 acre site in Aston, which was one of the assets the HCA assumed responsibility for following the demise of former regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands.
The Advanced Manufacturing Hub is critical to the success of Birmingham City Council’s long term economic policy. The AMH forms a crucial part of the city’s economic zones strategy.
Last month German precision cutting tool manufacturer Guhring revealed it would be the second business locating to the site.
The city council last year offered Dunlop Motorsport the opportunity to build a new plant on the site after its existing plant in Erdington was swallowed up by the expansion of Jaguar Land Rover. However, the company declined the offer and switched production to Europe where there was already spare capacity.
