Perspex International is set to transform its operations in Darwen with a major investment.
The new development promises to enhance eco-friendly production and job security.
Plans for a £40 million hi-tech, eco-friendly production plant and research centre have taken a major step forward. Perspex International has submitted a planning application for a manufacturing and development hub at Chapels Park, Darwen. This investment by the firm’s Swiss owners aims to secure over 200 jobs and potentially create new employment opportunities through significant advancements in sustainable technologies.
In 2022, the company faced challenges with high energy prices, putting 74 jobs at risk. However, plans are in place to centralise manufacturing at Chapels Park. This involves relocating the full manufacturing side of the business to a 1,240 square metre complex. The Orchard Mill site on the A666 is planned to be sold for redevelopment, streamlining operations into a single modern facility.
The investment is boosted by the government and council’s £100m Darwen Town Deal. Bryan Welch from Perspex International stated it is an opportunity to modernise and streamline operations. Cllr Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, expressed enthusiasm, citing this investment as pivotal, marking more than any seen in their lifetimes. Wayne Wild from the Town Deal Board highlighted its significance for job creation and safeguarding.
Perspex International’s presence in Darwen stretches back to World War II when it manufactured Spitfire canopies. It stands as the sole UK production site for Perspex acrylic, a leading material in plastics since the 1930s. Bryan Welch remarked on the company’s desire to ‘build upon and continue to develop’ its rich history in the town, committing to reducing CO2 emissions and water consumption.
As part of their future plans, Perspex International is looking to sell the Orchard Mill site for redevelopment. The transition to centralise operations is intended to maximise efficiency and become ‘much greener’. Streamlining processes will aid in reducing environmental impacts, aligning with modern priorities of sustainability and eco-conscious developments.
Such significant investments in Darwen are expected to bolster the local economy. By securing employment and potentially creating jobs, the development will reinforce the town’s economic stability. It reflects a broader trend of industrial renewal focused on sustainability. Cllr Riley highlighted it as a substantial accomplishment enabled by effective leveraging of Town Deal funding.
The centralisation not only aims to optimise production but also to align with eco-friendly practices. This strategic move signifies a commitment to sustainability while fostering growth. The development embodies a forward-thinking approach, reflective of modern industry trends, emphasising environmental stewardship amid economic progress.
Perspex International’s forward-thinking investment will undoubtedly reshape Darwen’s economic and environmental landscape. The centralisation and eco-friendly initiatives promise a sustainable future, aligning with contemporary industrial trends. This development not only secures current jobs but paves the way for future opportunities, fortifying the town’s resilience in a competitive global market.
