A major manufacturing firm is relocating to Rossendale in a multi-million pound move, that will create new jobs, after receiving help from Rossendale Council. Melba Swintex is in the process of moving into a semi-derelict, vacant site in Stubbins which it is renovating and refurbishing with over £5m of investment. The Council has worked with the company through its Invest in Rossendale programme, which has helped them benefit from NNDR business rates relief.

The move guarantees a minimum of 24 new jobs. Melba Swintex is the world’s leading manufacturer of temporary traffic management products, such as signs, barriers and cones. It is moving from Bury and will complete the full relocation by the end of 2019.

Invest in Rossendale is a programme set up by Rossendale Council’s economic development team after Rossendale Council made sustainable growth a key priority. It aims to attract new businesses and support the expansion of existing ones, increase investment, create more jobs and raise income levels.Councillor Jackie Oakes, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Economic Development, said:

We welcome Melba Swintex’s operations to Rossendale. I have visited the site myself and met with staff and it is a very impressive set-up and will only get better when they finalise their move by the end of the year. We are committed to increasing inward investment in Rossendale. We are attracting companies in recognised growth sectors to invest more, create more jobs and thrive.

Paul Harrison, Melba Swintex’s finance director, said: The relocation will give Melba the increased production capacity it needs to continue to grow.
This will result in further jobs being created for the local community. We look forward to a long relationship with Rossendale Council.