Major manufacturing facility launches in Dorset
A new manufacturing facility which will produce up to £19m worth of products annually has been officially opened in Dorset.
PBH Manufacturing has consolidated four other sites – three in Poole and one in Blandford – into the new 44,151 sq ft facility at Broom Road, Poole.
Once production is fully up to speed early next year, manufacturing in Poole is expected to represent 50% of the forecast £38m annual turnover of its parent group, Poole Bay Holdings.
The business, founded by Martyn Bright and Mike McKenna 24 years ago, is one of the UK’s leading business to business, eCommerce and catalogue marketers and manufacturers of business products.
It is better known through its multiple brands and websites including JustGloves, FirstAid4Less, SafetySigns4Less, NBB Outdoors and Koolpak.
In total, more than 30,000 products are stocked, ranging from bicycle shelters and picnic tables to first aid supplies and medical kit.
It receives more than 300,000 orders annually.
The new manufacturing facility, which employs 70 people, was officially opened by Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale whose constituency includes the site.
Addressing staff and invited guests after touring the site she said: “Facilities like these are so important to our local economy.
“When I speak to people about this area their immediate reaction is that it’s seaside and retirement.
“But it’s my absolute privilege and honour to tell people about the really vibrant local economy that we have here.
“It’s companies like yours that are really pushing to make things and grow our economy in Britain.
“I’ve walked around your new site and seen all the ‘Made in Britain’ signs which is amazing.
“As a company you’re integrating sustainability and community into the core of your business. That is the future.
“I’m really excited to see the company grow.”
Mike McKenna, chief executive of Poole Bay Holdings, said: “This facility looks fantastic and is a credit to everyone here.
“Martyn and I started our careers in manufacturing and both of us have been very keen to develop manufacturing in the UK for some years.
“In a short while, manufacturing will represent 50 per cent of our turnover which I think is staggering.
“That’s basically down to you guys so thank you very much.”
The main head office and distribution centre for Poole Bay Holdings is at Fleets Corner Business Park in Poole.
The company, which employs 226 people, is part of the Made in Britain organisation, bringing together the British manufacturing community.
