Enterprise zone move fuels growth for industrial chimney manufacturer

Willis and Thornley, manufacturer of industrial chimneys and flues, has moved into a 20,000 sq ft unit Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

Previously based at Cowley Road, the company has moved into the Pioneer House industrial unit formerly occupied by Lebus Engineers.

The premises become the UK headquarters for its parent company, Jeremias Group, based in Germany.

Jeremias has invested in two 20t overhead cranes to increase the size of items it can manufacture, as well as a full renovation of the offices, HD Plasma Profile Machine and additional welding equipment.

It has also retained five of the staff from the old Lebus Engineering, taking its total headcount up to 35, with plans to expand in coming years.

Robert Willis, managing director of Willis and Thornley, said: “We had worked closely with the Jeremias Group for over 12 years in both supplier and client roles, the synergy between both businesses was a natural progression to drive the growth of the Jeremias business in the UK. 

“The backing and support of the Jeremias group has been phenomenal and enabled us to grow the Blackpool facility to be the market leader for industrial chimneys in the UK.”

Coun Mark Smith, cabinet member for levelling up (place) at Blackpool Council, said: “This is a real success story for business in Blackpool. A local company which started here has now become the new UK headquarters of a major global engineering company.

“The business could have chosen to move their offices elsewhere but have stuck with their roots to employ more people on the Fylde coast, and I wish them the best of success."