Innovative Equipment Developed Thanks To Growth Hub

Family-run firm, Plastech Weatherseals Ltd, has operated at its Longford base for more than two decades. The Blackhorse Lane-based business has a core focus of manufacturing plastic extrusions for windows and doors.

Run by managing director, Bob Whelan, the company employs a total of ten people from around the local area.

The Plan
Plastech wanted to expand the business’s objective by developing an innovative irrigation pump and hose system for countries with harsh weather conditions. But to do so the company needed to expand its Longford factory and also gain access to funding for new equipment and manufacturing operations.

The firm was refused planning permission for the expansion a number of times, so sought out advice and support on the issue, as well as where to access funding. Bob turned to the CWLEP Growth Hub, which offers specialist advice and help to companies in the region. Jaymie Thakordas, business mentor and account manager, worked with the team to find the right funding and Growth Hub planning specialist, Bill Blincoe, was drafted in to navigate the difficulties surrounding the planning problems.

Bob Whelan said: “We had all these plans for the new irrigation system and expanding the factory, but we needed help to push them forward. “Jaymie and Bill came on board and helped us work on the application processes for both the funding and planning permission. “They were both able to give us information and support to make sure that these projects, which are linked to each other, were able to move forward to build on the company’s future.”
 

The Results

As a result of the support provided by the Growth Hub, Plastech’s expansion plans have been approved by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council. Not only that, the company was also awarded an investment grant under the Business Support Programme funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to help assist with the purchase of tooling equipment. This means that everything is in place for Plastech to move forward with its work developing the new irrigation pump and hose system. The system has a number of advantages over existing equipment as it is cost effective to manufacture and is also extremely reliable. Already a number of countries have expressed interest in the product including Uganda, Algeria, Morocco, Australia and more.

Bob said: “The work that the Growth Hub has done for Plastech has been phenomenal and invaluable. “They were there every step of the way and we could not have done this without the guidance that they offered. “Thanks to the Growth Hub, and Jaymie and Bill in particular, we have the planning permission and funding in place. “We are still testing the irrigation system, but there are a number of countries that are already very interested. “We are planning a soft launch for the product and then we are hoping the project will build from there.” “I would definitely recommend that any business in need of help get in touch with the CWLEP Growth Hub to find out what the team can do for them.” For further information about Plastech Weatherseals Ltd and its work visit www.plastechweatherseals.co.uk.

Jaymie Thakordas Business mentor and account manager  “As Plastech moves forward, the Growth Hub will be there to offer as much assistance as needed.” “That is something that is important to us, we don’t just help with the one issue and move on, we make sure that we are available for all the businesses that we support.”