Hundreds of jobs promised as manufacturing site gets go-ahead

Hundreds of jobs have been secured and hundreds has been promised after Ashfield District Council approved plans for the multimillion-pound 7.28 hectare development south-east of Junction 27 of the M1, on Mansfield Road, Annesley.

Derbyshire aluminium firm, Garnalex, is moving across the border into Nottinghamshire, bringing with it more than 300 local jobs and says it plans to create hundreds more.

Phase 1 will see the aluminium windows and doors business move from its current home near Belper to the 350,000 sq ft site.

The new site should be completed in the next 18-24 months.

Founded by Roger Hartshorn in 2018 to help reduce the UK’s reliance on imported aluminium, Garnalex says it intends to become a “significant” employer for Ashfield.

Phase 2 allows for future expansion of the site – helping ensure jobs remain in the Ashfield district and keeping lorries out of residential areas.

Ashfield District Council leader, councillor Jason Zadrozny, said: “This is a significant development coming to Ashfield and illustrates just how attractive the District is to the business community.

“In the past five years we have approved planning applications which equate to more than 7,000 potential jobs in Ashfield. That is proof we are now a location and destination of choice for employers. This development is a real boon for our rural communities in Annesley, Selston, Jacksdale and Underwood, who will see new jobs on their doorstep.”

Roger Hartshorn from Garnalex said: “We’re thrilled to bring this development to Ashfield. Garnalex is ambitious and we have plans to expand further and create hundreds more jobs in the coming years.”