Half million pound funding boost for Cumbrian firm
A leading Cumbrian firm is benefitting from a half million pound investment from the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership that will help it expand and create up to 20 new jobs.
Clark Door Ltd is a market leader in Special Purpose Door Systems. It designs, manufactures, installs and services a range of specialist doors for customers in the UK and over 40 countries overseas from its base at Carlisle’s Kingmoor Park Enterprise Zone.
It recently launched a £3.0 million scheme to expand its manufacturing and development facilities and to invest in productivity improvement to provide a springboard for future growth.
The new building will be more than four times the height of the existing factory and provide a flexible Development and Testing Facility to meet the needs of customers at home and abroad.
The project will create up to 20 new jobs by the end of November 2020 and deliver an estimated annual boost of around £1m to the Cumbrian economy.
Cumbria LEP (CLEP) Deputy Chairman Jim Jackson said: “Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership is delighted to commit £569,000 of Growth Deal funding to support this project.
“It is particularly pleasing that this contribution will help the company take advantage of new opportunities, expand its operating base at Kingmoor Park and create up to 20 new jobs.
“It is another part of a major Growth Deal programme of investment that has been ongoing since 2015 to support Cumbria’s economy and to help our businesses to grow.”
Clark Door employs around 75 people in Carlisle and has already exported to over 40 countries. The company is confident that the new development will help it enhance its international reputation even further in the years ahead.
Managing Director Andrew Ashley said: “Without the support of Cumbria LEP, we would not have carried out this expansion project; their support and that of many others has made our vision possible.
“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.”
Northern Powerhouse Local Growth Minister, Jake Berry MP, said: “This government is committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the Northern Powerhouse and building an economy which is fit for the future. “This is why I’m pleased to see £569,000 investment from the Local Growth Fund supporting Clark Door, so they can expand their business.
“Not only will this enable the company to increase capacity and create new job opportunities for local people, but it demonstrates how independent local businesses like this one ensure Cumbria and the Northern Powerhouse are recognised worldwide as excellent destinations for trade and investment.”