Fast growing manufacturing business to expand with move to bigger Chorley home

Group55 is creating 50 jobs linked to a move to bigger premises in Chorley.

The group, which works in the household, pet care, personal care and cosmetics industries, is relocating to an eight-acre site on Ackhurst Park, the former home of the Halewood Distillery.

Group55, founded 25 years ago, has enjoyed success in recent years and following a period of significant growth decided to relocate to expand further its services and manufacturing capacity.

Currently operating across three sites in Buckshaw Village and Leyland, this strategic move will bring all business functions together under one roof.

The new Ackhurst Park site will undergo a £2m refurbishment to create one of the largest and most technically advanced manufacturing sites of its kind in the UK.

Group55 works with brand owners, retailers, and celebrity entrepreneurs.

Part of the expansion plans include the installation of a modern innovation laboratory from which the latest beauty and household cleaning products will be developed.

Group55 founder and chairman, Preston-born Stephen Turner, said: “This move marks a transformative milestone for Group55.

“We are a proud, long standing, Lancastrian business working with some of the biggest brands and celebrities in the UK and it is exciting to be able to invest further in Chorley to make a positive impact to our customers, employees and our local community.”

He added: “Group55 is a key player in our market sector, employing more than 100 people from the local area. South Ribble has a remarkable wealth of talented, skilled, and hardworking people and our success is due to our amazing team.

“I am looking forward to seeing more people join us and enjoy the benefits of working with an exciting and growing company.”

Work on the refurbishment has already begun, with a phased relocation to the new site planned throughout 2025.