Major expansion expected to create new jobs

Buy photos » Welcoming Bobst Group to Ravensbank House are Malcolm Jones of KWB, Bobst Group managing director Neil Jones and Ian Parker, partner at John Truslove. (s)

AN INTERNATIONAL manufacturing company has expanded its Redditch operation in what has been described as one of the biggest office lettings in the town in the last ten years.

Swiss firm Bobst Group has taken over roughly three quarters of Ravensbank House in North Moons Moat and the packaging machine making firm has indicated the expansion will create new jobs but has not specified how many. The building has been empty since January and was formerly used by collapsed care home provider Southern Cross.

The new site has been earmarked for a showroom and offices, which are already being refurbished, and it is hoped staff will move in around the end of October.

Bobst Group, which turned over £840million last year, already employs 63 people at its base in Lakeside which will continue to be used as a parts and storage centre.

Neil Jones, managing director of Bobst UK and Ireland, said: "It is a big expansion for our arm of the business.

"We are looking to develop our service side and these new premises fit into that business plan. It will offer better facilities for staff and customers. The move is likely to create some extra jobs going forward."

Ian Parker, partner in commercial property agents John Truslove which helped broker the deal, said: "It is terrific news for the town and shows how it remains a magnet for manufacturers and distributors because of its wonderful communications at the centre of England."

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