Engineering firm buys 95,000 sq ft manufacturing plant

Engineering and manufacturing company Roots Systems has bought Spinnaker Works in Gloucester, a 95,000 sq ft office and manufacturing facility on a self-contained four and a half acre site.

Currently located at Upper Mills Industrial Estate in Stonehouse since 1974, the company has outgrown its existing facility and has been using space at sister companies to cope with demand.

The company’s origins can be traced back to the 1930’s as one of the early manufacturers of rotary-lobe compressors, designing and supplying blowers, particularly to the energy sector.

The new office and factory premises at Spinnaker will provide Roots with an opportunity to conduct all operations under one roof, in an EPC B rated state-of-the-art facility.

Managing director Sean Swales said: “This move represents a substantial financial investment, to be in excess of £10m, funded from our groups existing cash resources and is a huge vote of confidence in the business. It is a bold step on our part, and we are excited about the opportunity and increased capacity that it provides.

“Sales activity is at record levels, with our traditional markets remaining healthy. In addition, we are now supplying many new and innovative green tech packages because of the transition occurring in the energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture sectors.
This move also secures our future as a UK manufacturer and major industrial equipment exporter.”

General Manager Jordan Hey said: “This investment underscores our commitment to producing world class, bespoke equipment to a growing market and the facility will provide a huge boost to our materials handling and production processes. Retaining 80 existing jobs and securing employment for our local workforce is fabulous news. We will be able to offer many new opportunities and probably double our workforce for skilled and technical roles as we continue to grow.”

Lawyers Ashfords of Exeter advised on the transaction and said: “It’s been a pleasure to advise Roots Systems on this recent investment, and we look forward to seeing how the company continues to grow in the manufacturing space in the future.”

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