Government grant helps create new jobs at Foulridge manufacturer

A manufacturing firm in Foulridge has taken on nine staff after obtaining a government grant for new machinery, which was endorsed by Pendle Council.

Pendle Polymer Engineering (PPE) specialise in bonding rubber to metal, with clients including JCB and Leyland Trucks.

Their new degreasing machine uses a chemical solvent which helps clean metal components of grease and rust, so that they can be bonded to rubber.

This replaces a slower, older machine which used over 300 times more solvent.

Cleaning jobs now take four minutes rather than 20, which means PPE are taking on additional orders and have employed nine staff as a result.

Regenerate Pennine Lancashire provided 20% of the plants cost through a grant programme supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund. The grant was approved by Pendle Borough Council.

John Lorrison, director of PPE, said: “The degreaser that Regenerate supported us with has increased our productivity and efficiency, which will create jobs and was necessary for the future growth of the company. Their business advisor’s cooperation and understanding couldn’t have been better.”

Pendle councillor Paul White, who is responsible for economic development, enterprise and growth in Pendle, said: “The grant received by PPE has created jobs in Pendle, and safeguarded over 30 more. I’d encourage other businesses in the area to apply and make the most of this funding to grow their business while it is available.”