Jobs boost as French firm announces £1m expansion of UK HQ
An international manufacturing group is revving up its UK operations with a £1m expansion of its headquarters in Rugby, a move which will create a number of jobs.
Warwickshire firm The Wigley Group has been contracted to carry out works to extend GYS’s 23,680 sq ft premises at Great Central Way.
The French family-owned firm, which has a turnover of €125m, is targeting further growth in the UK to satisfy its growing customer base.
Works will provide an additional 4,671 sq ft of space across two storeys to increase warehouse capacity and open a dedicated service centre.
A new welding robotics training centre and after sales facility will also be created.
James Davies, chief executive officer of property, development and construction company The Wigley Group, which is headquartered at nearby Stockton, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to deliver a key part of GYS’s UK growth plans.
“It is great news for Rugby and the wider region to have a market leader in this sector right on their doorstep, and we look forward to starting work this summer.”
GYS is now the largest manufacturer of welding machines in Europe and a leader in car body repair equipment and automotive battery charging; employing around 850 people at sites in Rugby, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and China.
Jack Rombach, warehouse and logistics manager, said: “We have seen a huge growth year-on-year as a company and in the past 24 months there has been an emphasis on growing our subsidiaries in Germany, France and now right here in the UK.
“Our UK customer base is continuing to grow and consequently we need more space to hold more stock.
“This investment is key to our three-stage expansion plan, investing in new facilities and equipment which will in turn allow us to take on more staff.”
(left-to-right) Andrew Higham (The Wigley Group Construction Manager), Dean Mitchell (The Wigley Group Commercial Director), Chris Parsons (The Wigley Group Director of Group Operations), Jack Rombach (GYS UK Warehouse and Logistics Manager), Neil Pulsford (GYS Managing Director), and Bruno Bouygues (GYS CEO).
