We received some exciting news this week as the plans for the new buildings at our Staffordshire foundry were finally granted planning permission.
The Milton foundry was first opened back in the 1950s and it is where all our cast aluminium staircases, balconies and railings start their life before going on to homes and businesses all over the world. We’re extremely proud of the skilled work of our foundry team which showcases some of the best in British manufacturing. However, the facilities themselves had been largely unchanged since the foundry first opened and were no longer fit for purpose.
Whilst we considered moving the foundry nearer to our main workshop in Derbyshire, our first preference was always to develop the existing site and continue to support the local economy in Stoke. It has taken some time to develop the plans to this point but, after several setbacks, we were finally able to come up with a scheme which was agreeable to planners and will allow us to grow and future proof our foundry.
The development is split into two phases – allowing us to meet our busy order book whilst the construction work is being completed. The first phase unit will accommodate most of the key stages of production, such as the sand casting, finishing and fettling. The building has several advantages including highly insulated walls and double glazed rooflights which will create a lighter, healthier and more comfortable working environment for our team.
The second phase will include a further two buildings to house die casting processes and our extensive collection of period patterns. These new units will also give us the space to keep growing and developing our business.
Now the permission is sorted, we’re all looking forward to breaking ground on the new development and to continue the fine traditions of British production which are at the heart of our work.