750 jobs set for the region as purpose-built manufacturing facility launches

£40M MANUFACTURING business Really Useful Products has launched a  purpose-built facility.

The new Wakefield facility will quadruple the size of the UK operations, and RUP promised to create 750 jobs in the region.

Lambert Smith Hampton has been appointed to project manage the four phase project.

Lancashire-based Barnfield Construction are currently working on the £11.5m contract for the project’s first phase, the creation of a 204,000sq ft factory.

Mike Pickles, CEO, Really Useful products said: “Our current site has no expansion space so our dream is to create a new manufacturing facility that will support our growing business. As a business, we are constantly producing exciting and interesting product designs and we want our new facility to reflect this.

“We have absolutely no building experience so we have engaged with Gayle Taylor from Lambert Smith Hampton, who is project managing the whole scheme for us and is bringing on-board the necessary contractors.”

This first phase is due for completion in Autumn 2016, with plans to start phase two in 2017.

Gayle Taylor, head of building consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton explained: “Lambert Smith Hampton has a pretty impressive track record when it comes to project management, particularly for owner occupiers, which will stand us in good stead for the Really Useful Products build.

“This is a really exciting and ambitious project to be involved in. The designs are iconic and some of the processes unusual in the sense that we are working with a feng shui consultant. As a result, we are having to veer away from some of the conventional ways of doing things, whilst also remaining mindful of budget and timescales.”