Work has started on a multi-million pound advanced manufacturing facility for composites specialist Multi-Ply Components.

The 40,000 sq ft site is the first council-backed unit to be built as part of the Phase One development plans for Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone. 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.

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. This will have a major impact on all aspects of our business. 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”.

“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” said Peter Appleton, Managing Director of Multi-Ply.

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 is 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.”

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