Work starts at new Saw Mill complex in Market Drayton
Work has begun this week on the first phase of a new state-of-the-art Saw Mill complex in Market Drayton, which will see at least 13 new jobs created.
Currently based in Staffordshire, Hales Sawmills is a family-run firm founded in 1982 and employing 35 people. They are relocating to Adderley Road Industrial Estate in Market Drayton and expanding the business, to help keep up with ever-increasing demand.
The first phase of development is sited on eight of the 15 available acres and will cost £5 million. Work will involve the installation of two modern treatment plants, a biomass boiler, a timber drying kiln, manufacturing facilities for the company’s gates, panels and acoustic panels, and a large shop and stores for retail business.
Hales Sawmills will be increasing their workforce by 13 staff in this first phase of the development and will be starting to recruit in December 2014, ready for a start date of Monday 5 January 2015.
Julian Parton, Hales Sawmills Chairman, said:
“We would like to thank everyone from Shropshire Council that has helped us, as well as the local councillors, because without their help we wouldn’t have been able to do this project.
“We are delighted that McPhillips Civil Engineering will be doing all the works on the new site, and we would like to personally thank Peter McPhillips and his team for helping us with this design and build project. Funding for the project has been provided by NatWest, and we would also like to thank Ian Clinton for his continued support.
“The biomass plant will power the kiln, heat the buildings and allow us to dry our own wood chip which we can either then sell on or use it ourselves. The treatment plants will help us keep up with the ever increasing demand for Highway Treated material which will give you a 30 year desired service life, and we are taking that technology into farm fencing.”
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for business growth, said:
“I’m delighted that work is now getting underway on the new Hales Sawmills site. We’ve worked closely with the company from day one, helping them to develop their plans and to make sure their planning application had every chance of success, and I’m pleased we’ve been able to help make the work possible.
“One of the top priorities for Shropshire Council is economic growth and prosperity, and to have strong market towns. This investment in Market Drayton will provide a major boost to the town and to the local economy, and will help to complement the £425,000 investment we have invested through our Market Town Revitalisation Programme.”
