WIREDGOV

A major expansion by Westbridge Furniture Designs on Deeside Enterprise Zone which was supported by the Welsh Government has already created 220 jobs, exceeding expectations and well ahead of schedule.

The company opened a third manufacturing facility on Deeside Industrial Park to service a new five year contract with Ikea which was supported by £488,000business finance from the Welsh Government towards the creation of 153 new jobs by the end of 2015.

The company has proved so successful it has already created 220 new jobs – 67 more than anticipated well ahead of schedule and seen production ramp up from 100 items a week to more than 2000 units a week.

Westbridge now supplies seven ranges to Ikea comprising sofas, chairs, sofa beds and corner groups and also suppliers to other retailers from the same facility.

Economy Minister Edwina Hart has congratulated the company on its rapid expansion and job creation.

Mrs Hart said:

“Westbridge was established in 2004 with grant assistance from the Welsh Government and I am delighted to hear it now employs 960 people across three dedicated manufacturing facilities in North Wales which is a significant achievement.

“Welsh Government funding for this new facility ensured the investment went ahead in Wales as other sites were under consideration so it’s great news to hear it has exceeded all targets. I congratulate Westbridge on its rapid growth and job creation which is a great advertisement for manufacturing in Wales and another important economic boost for Deeside Enterprise Park.”

Westbridge is a subsidiary of Belfield Furnishing Ltd and Group Chief Executive Stephen Hampton said:

“The Welsh Government funding support has been fundamental in us taking on the Ikea project which has created a significant number of new jobs in the area. The new facility has also enabled us to target and winnew business from other retailers across the UK, which provides them with a more sustainable option while also helping to reduce their carbon footprint as a number of them previously imported upholstered products.”

Westbridge Furniture Designs is now one of the largest manufactures of upholstered furniture in the UK and has three dedicated manufacturing facilities in North Wales – one at Holywell and two on Deeside Industrial Park, which between them employ 960 people.

All three sites cater for different markets selling to independent retailers and high street retailers including John Lewis, M&S and Next and all sites are expanding to meet growing demand.

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