Plastic firm to create 20 new jobs in Hyndburn with grant support

A Hyndburn based plastic manufacturer is set to create 20 new jobs after a government grant helped it purchase new machinery.

What More UK is Britain’s largest manufacturer of plastic housewares, gardening and storage products. Under the brand name ‘Wham’, the company supplies products to retailers such as Wilkinsons, B&Q, Homebase and several top supermarkets.

Due to growth, they are investing in a new 88,000 sq ft building in Altham and purchasing machinery which would enable them to manufacture previously outsourced components in house and produce larger products. The machines are larger and much faster than existing machines, which will increase production throughout the business.

What More UK contacted Regenerate Pennine Lancashire for support, who were able to contribute a £150k grant to the project. The grant is supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

Tony Grimshaw, director of What More UK, said: “The investment will help us stay aligned with demand, remain competitive and achieve our growth objectives. As a result we are looking to increase sales to £44m and will be creating 20 new jobs in Hyndburn.”

Regenerate can provide grants from £5k to £1m to eligible Lancashire businesses. The grant to What More UK has been welcomed by Hyndburn Borough Council.

Councillor Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “What More UK have the ability to quickly capitalise on new market opportunities and have seen rapid expansion in recent years through the introduction of new products and growing customer bases. "The grant from Regenerate will help the company grow even faster. We’d encourage other businesses in Hyndburn, new or old, to contact Regenerate to see if there is support available for them too.”