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Jobs saved following factory takeover
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More than 40 jobs have been saved following the successful takeover of Knighton based Benson Heating Ltd by one of Europe’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of heating, ventilation and environmental systems, the AmbiRad Group.
Benson Heating, which supplied oil and gas-fired heaters, went into administration at the end of May 2009, resulting in all 73 members of staff losing their jobs at the company's factory in Powys. Now, in a move which further strengthens its position within the HVAC sector, AmbiRad has restored sales and production at the facility.
To ensure growth and safeguard the company’s long term future the group is investing in new plant and making a number of workplace improvements, including office refurbishment and investment in IT infrastructure to increase efficiency.
AmbiRad’s MD, Mike Brookes, commented, “We’re delighted to have restored jobs in Powys, helping support the local economy and community, where manufacturing employment opportunities are all too limited. Response to the takeover from the workforce and client base has been exceptional. Trading in the period since acquisition has exceeded expectations and the company is now confidently looking forward to the future. With improving trading conditions forecast, together with ongoing support from the Welsh Assembly Government, further job creation is expected as we improve and expand our product base.”
Benson Heating’s products and services are highly complementary to the AmbiRad Group’s existing range of heating, cooling and ventilation solutions, which includes market leading brands including AmbiRad, Nordair Niche, Airbloc and Reznor UK. With this latest development AmbiRad will continue to provide one of the market’s widest and most versatile ranges.
Investment in product development is underway and will underpin an aggressive growth plan in home and export markets. This will also ensure compliance with ever tightening building regulations and legislation as well as successful integration within the AmbiRad Group.
In addition to the Powys site, AmbiRad has headquarters in Brierley Hill, West Midlands. Its Nordair Niche brand has sites in Stockport in Cheshire and Braintree in Essex. Reznor UK is based in Folkstone, Kent.
