Dozens more jobs promised with purchase of new factory

FIFTY new full-time jobs are to be created in Scunthorpe after a manufacturer in the modular building industry acquired an 18,000 sq ft factory in the town.

UNiBLOCK, a distributor of insulated concrete form products, is aiming to build on its recent success by opening a trade premises in Dunlop Way on The Queensway industrial estate.

It was helped to buy the property by PPH Commercial.

UNiBLOCK Managing Director Les Dawson said: “In the next three years, our aim is to expand and establish ourselves in Scunthorpe, delivering to multiple sites across the UK.

“With strong demand for our products in the Humber region, Scunthorpe is the perfect location.

“We chose this location due to the size of this unit and the combination of office, workshop and warehouse facilities it offers. It also has an excellent infrastructure and supply network already in place.

“All our products are embedded with steel and the fact we’ve been able to source this locally from SC4, a nearby supplier in Scunthorpe, has proven very helpful.

“We expect to be open for business at the beginning of July and have already made a handful of appointments so we can expand the services we offer in the commercial, industrial and domestic sectors.

“In the long term, we hope to create about 40 to 50 new full-time jobs – which would obviously provide a big boost to the local economy, especially in light of the cloud currently hanging over the town’s steelworks.”

UNiBLOCK said it had traditionally imported most of their products, but the demise of a French supplier has seen the firm invest significantly in its own manufacturing equipment so it could launch this new venture in Scunthorpe.

Duncan Willey, the Chartered Surveyor who conducted the deal on behalf of PPH Commercial, said: “The fact North Lincolnshire offers an extensive, readily available workforce with a variety of experience in manufacturing and distribution is a massive attraction for ambitious businesses like UNiBLOCK.

“Having worked closely alongside UNiBLOCK during negotiations, they are clearly a very ambitious company with big growth aspirations.

“Clearly, this new trade unit will play a key role in their long-term aims and I wish them every success in the future.

“The recent news about British Steel has dealt a blow to Scunthorpe in recent weeks, but this much-needed jobs boost proves the town remains a very attractive proposition for new businesses and potential employers.”