£17m smart factory launch to create more than 300 jobs

Lontra, a developer, manufacturer and exporter of high value industrial machinery for critical industries is opening a £17m Smart Factory in South Yorkshire.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) will partner with Lontra to support the new Smart Factory based in Doncaster, by providing a grant and loan package totalling over £7m through the South Yorkshire Renewal Fund, with approximately £10m of private sector match funding by Lontra.

Lontra and South Yorkshire MCA’s partnership will contribute to the region’s growth, creating over 300 new jobs with more across the regional supply chain, operating Lontra’s global exports base for its energy saving compressor machine.

The factory, comprising 105,035 sq ft of space, will make energy saving products for world-wide food manufacture, pharmaceutical products and water treatment, amongst others.

These products will be exported globally through Lontra’s international distribution network with distribution agreements secured.

Mayor of South Yorkshire, Dan Jarvis MP, said: “This is an exciting example of a UK innovator investing in South Yorkshire – further enhancing our reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing.

“The new smart factory will play a significant role in developing our economic plan for a stronger, greener and fairer region. It will create hundreds of great new jobs, and boost our productivity and global exports.”

Steve Lindsey, executive chair of Lontra, added: “We are thrilled to open our first factory in the region with the support of South Yorkshire MCA. This is a region that’s incredibly progressive and we are proud to be a part of their innovation story.

“We are honoured to bring a commitment of long-term innovation and economic growth, both for Lontra as a business and for South Yorkshire.

“This is fantastic example of how South Yorkshire MCA, is supporting innovative SMEs to generate long term economic growth, high value job creation and drive UK exports.”