Development underway at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone

Work has started on a 40,000 sq ft custom-built commercial unit for local manufacturing company Multi-Ply Components Ltd.

The multi-million pound advanced manufacturing facility is the first council-backed unit to be built as part of the Phase One development plans for Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, located at the eastern end of the existing business park. Built by Eric Wright Construction it will serve as the new headquarters for Multi-Ply, one of the world’s leading specialists in the design and manufacture of carbon fibre composite components for the medical x-ray equipment industry.

Founded in 1987 by Peter Bourne, the move will enable Multi-Ply to consolidate three existing sites in Inskip and Great Eccleston, housing all the existing staff of 67, creating further jobs with the move and up to a total of 100 jobs over the next five years. The new site also provides the company with additional land for further expansion.

Planning was originally approved in October 2019 with Fletcher Bond Chartered Surveyors acting on behalf of Multi-Ply, and Cassidy + Ashton Architects and Planning Consultants acting for Blackpool Council. Blackpool Council has entered into a building contract for the construction of the proposed development with Multi-Ply taking the unit on a 25 year long leasehold term.

Sue Bourne, Director of Multi-Ply said, “We are extremely excited to start the construction of our new premises which will take approximately 9 months to build. We have been falling over ourselves in our current units and all the staff are eagerly anticipating working in brand new, purpose-built premises. This will have a major impact on all aspects of our business. As well as increasing our productivity and efficiency, it will improve the overall well-being of our staff with a new staff canteen, changing rooms, break out areas and being close to other local amenities on Blackpool Retail Park.”

“The new premises will enable us to expand and continue to grow our business which involves supplying key components to the medical imaging market worldwide. We were struggling to find new

premises that met our requirements for our complex manufacturing process. Being able to build a bespoke unit, exactly the way we want it will be transformational in the way we operate. We are excited for what the future holds and can’t wait for moving in day.”

Peter Appleton, Managing Director of Multi-Ply said, “I am pleased to be on site as it means we are one step closer to realising our ambitions for the company’s long term growth and happy to be able to contribute to the wider economic growth of the Fylde Coast. There are some very successful companies situated here at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone and we are delighted to be part of this burgeoning business community.”

Stephen Knowles, client liaison manager with Eric Wright Construction said, “It is great to be appointed as the constructor partner in delivering this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility on the new Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, bringing highly skilled employment to the area which will contribute to the prosperity of the town and its residents. We have a strong relationship with Blackpool Council having delivered over £110m of developments and civil engineering works and look forward to continuing our strong partnership with them.”

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said, “We want to level up our towns across the country, making them great places to live, work and visit. That’s why we have invested £800,000, through the Local Growth Fund, in the new unit at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone. I am delighted that Multi-ply will create 100 jobs in the region over the next 5 years, bringing opportunities and prosperity to the region.”

Cllr Mark Smith, Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Job Creation said, “I welcome Multi-Ply to the Enterprise Zone and wish them every success in their new location. The move will bring a significant boost to the local economy and the creation of skilled jobs for a local workforce. The new road also planned for the eastern gateway will open up further development plots and I’m looking forward to seeing who may join Multi-Ply as regeneration picks up apace over the next few years.”

The development is part funded by Lancashire Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Deal Funding.

Steve Fogg, Chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, which contributed £0.8m through Growth Deal funding said, ”The development will contribute to the continuing transformation of Blackpool as a great place to do business and provides an excellent boost to the wider Fylde Coast economy. Multi-

Ply is testament to the strengths we have in advanced manufacturing right here in Lancashire and I am delighted that we have been able to retain this highly skilled workforce within our county under the supportive watch of Blackpool.’