A Government minister has visited a growing Northampton firm which is one of the success stories of the town’s Waterside Enterprise Zone.
Local growth minister Mark Prisk visited Freefoam Plastics, in St James Mill Road, which plans to expand its operation and create between 30 and 40 jobs.
Since the company opened its Northampton base in 1999, it has seen a growth in sales from £4 million to last year’s £25.4 million, along with a staff increase from 18 to 90.
Freefoam manufactures PVC fittings for homes, including fascias, window trims, guttering systems and decorative panelling.
The minister was also given a tour of the Enterprise Zone and heard about six regeneration projects taking place in Northampton, including the railway station.
Mr Frisk said: “The Enterprise Zone is complex, so understanding how it all fits together is why I am here today.
“What I like here is we have got a town which is committed to regeneration and renewing its infrastructure, while bringing in new jobs as well.
“We as a Government are putting £10 million into the railway station, and we also want to understand from the local team about how we can ensure broadband, road and rail infrastructure, and cleaning up some of the sites that are contaminated can all be brought together.
“What we are seeing at Freefoam Plastics is really encouraging. It is another 40 jobs, which builds on their strong foundation, and follows on from the investment at Carlsberg which is creating 70 jobs. This is good news for Northampton.”
Aidan Harte, managing director of Freefoam Plastics, said: “It’s great to be at the forefront of the Enterprise Zone at St James, as we have been very committed to the area since we came here in 1999.
“We have expanded the site on a staged basis, and this is the fourth expansion in the last 14 years.
“It is a major development which will lead to the creation of 40 jobs. It’s good that Northampton Borough Council recognises our commitment to partaking in the aims of the Enterprise Zone.”
Borough council leader, Councillor David Mackintosh (Con, Rectory Farm), said: “It is really important to showcase how the Enterprise Zone is working in practice.
“Success stories like the expansion of Freefoam Plastics prove that Northampton is an ideal place for businesses to grow.”
Northampton South MP Brian Binley said: “Mark Prisk is one of those people who has been in business, and knows how important it is to attract business. I think the minister was impressed, and this shows Northampton is moving ahead, and is alive.”