Companies plan to revitalise site by developing advanced manufacturing facility

Huddersfield businesses John L Brierley and Paxman Coolers are taking a major step forward in a collaboration to develop an advanced manufacturing facility in central Huddersfield.

Located in England’s third HealthTech and Digital Investment Zone, and alongside the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus, the development will rejuvenate the JL Brierley Turnbridge Mills site, on Quay Street. 

Paxman has been exploring sites for relocation for some years due to lack of expansion space at its Fenay Bridge manufacturing premises, while JL Brierley has long sought a way of rejuvenating the site following the significant reduction of its textile business over 20 years ago.

This investment will provide the fit-for-purpose building Paxman needs to increase manufacturing output, while helping to preserve the historic significance of the broader site.

The custom-built 27,000 sq ft property will incorporate a health innovation research & digital manufacturing facility, cryotherapy research labs, engineering R&D space, and office facilities for Paxman’s cryotherapy solutions for managing the side effects of chemotherapy.

Ian Brierley, managing director of JL Brierley, said: “This project represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Huddersfield’s economy.

“By partnering with Paxman, not only are we investing in the future of our businesses but also in the vitality of our community and town.”

Richard Paxman, CEO, added: “As home-grown Huddersfield businesses, we want to stay and grow within the town and bring the wider benefits to the local economy.

“From an innovation perspective, Paxman is economically embedded in the region via the HealthTech Strategy for West Yorkshire.

“The fact that we are surrounded by some of the best higher education institutions in the North means we have  outstanding opportunities for research and development, business growth, skills development, and  job creation.

“We are more committed than ever before to increasing our presence and investment locally.

“Our investment into this exciting new state-of-the-art facility will not only support the growth of our organisation, in addition to supporting the commercialisation of our latest medical device but bring wider benefits to our region’s economy.”