Kitchen manufacturer creates 150 jobs

INDEPENDENT kitchen manufacturer Ultima Kitchens has created 150 jobs after a funding package supplied by Yorkshire Bank.

Ultima was able to invest in a West Yorkshire factory after a £4m package from the bank, which included a £2.7m provision for machinery to improve manufacturing processes and introduce new products.

The Barnsley-based company was founded by Alf and Clare Ellis more than 30 years ago.

It employs 170 staff across two units in Pontefract, and has used £1.3m in funding to acquire a 151,000 sq ft former factory at the Sherburn-in-Elmet industrial estate, which will be home to 150 new staff.

The company is planning to double annual turnover from more than £25m to more than £50m.

Alf Ellis said: “Our new site and machinery has enabled us to extend our product range and grow our customer base by providing greater choice. Our equipment will also help us to remain competitive in the quality kitchen marketplace.

“We are grateful to Yorkshire Bank for recognising and supporting this growth opportunity and we look forward to working in partnership with its knowledgeable team.”
Ultima Kitchens supplies directly to the public and to trade.

Jeremy Bowers, relationship manager at the Bank’s North Yorkshire Business and Private Banking Centre helped deliver the package and Rick Warburton, Head of Yorkshire Bank’s North Yorkshire Business and Private Banking Centre, said: “Ultima Kitchens is a strong family-run business led by an ambitious and dynamic management team. The company’s expansion plans, including the creation of new jobs, highlight the crucial role businesses are playing in the improving economic recovery.

“We are proud to be providing the support which will enable Ultima Kitchens to continue growing and supporting the local economy.”