A Shropshire company is set to undertake a programme of expansion after securing an investment grant from Advantage West Midlands (AWM).
Ludlow based Hazlin who manufacture bespoke, architectural veneered doors, panels and door sets for use in quality domestic residences, schools, hospitals, financial institutions and large construction projects throughout the UK, have received a £100,000 selective finance for investment (SFI) grant from AWM.
The expansion project proposal was submitted at the beginning of June, including requirements for new buildings, machinery and personnel at a cost of £900,000 and the offer made by AWM at the end of August. SFI is a form of financial assistance available to businesses across the West Midlands. There are a number of conditions for the claimant company to fulfil including the creation of new jobs, increased productivity and the generation of regional and national benefits in line with the West Midlands Economic Strategy.
Chris Jones MD at Hazlin is pleased with the quick decision from AWM. He said: “Our sales are 30% up on this time last year and we have out grown our current capacity, so to meet increasing demand and maintain efficiency we needed to invest. To receive an eighth of that through grant funding certainly helps. Although two new people have already started, in addition we are looking for a skilled joiner and an apprentice, preferably from the South Shropshire area.”
Phil Langford, Business Relationships Manager at AWM said: “Hazlin is one of the first companies in Shropshire to benefit from an SFI grant as the scheme was only opened up to the region in April this year. I hope that other companies will be inspired to consider applying as a result of their success; Hazlin is an excellent example of a local company with drive and vision and I am delighted that new, skilled jobs will be created as a result of the grant.“
Pictured: Left to right) Duncan Moore, Contracts manager, Advantage West Midlands, Chris Jones, MD Hazlin, Phil Langford, Business Relationships Manager, Advantage West Midlands and Ian Smith, Commercial Manager, HSBC Bank, Ludlow.
