An official ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of work on Clark Door’s £3 million extension has been held. The expansion of the Kingmoor Park site will allow it to carry out research and development, and will create up to 20 jobs new jobs.
Work is being carried out by Cumbrian building firm Thomas Armstrong and the investment was boosted by a grant from Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.
The turf-cutting was attended by Jim Jackson, deputy chairman of Cumbria LEP; John Mallinson, leader of Carlisle City Council; Councillor Colin Glover; Tony Goddard, Neil McIntyre and Emily Robson, of Kingmoor Park; Angus Hutchinson of Hyde Harrington and Jonathan Tibbits, of Thomas Armstrong.
Clark Door was represented by Managing Director Andrew Ashley, Chairman Paul Ashley MBE, Operations and Supply Chain Manager Adam Wharton and Engineering Manager Tim Hicks.
Andrew Ashley said: “I am extremely proud of our workforce, and having been based in Carlisle since 1973, I am pleased that the company has committed its future to the area through this significant investment.
“After many years in the planning it is great to now be starting our expansion project. We were pleased to make the gesture, taking time out from our busy day to day roles, of sharing the milestone of starting the construction work, with some of the key players who have supported us to make our vision possible. We look forward to completing the construction of this facility, the exciting opportunities ahead and the next chapter in our growth.”
“The new facility is great news for the company, its many stakeholders including its employees, local supply base and the wider community. It will enable us to offer highly engineered, world class products for multiple applications for buildings in the performing arts, film, TV, distribution warehouses and industry.
“Clark Door currently sells its products throughout the UK, the Middle and Far East, Europe, North and South America. This investment will provide a foundation for future growth through greater productivity and even better engineered products.”
