Jobs joy as Willenhall manufacturing firm gets nod to expand
A manufacturing firm in Willenhall will expand its factory and offices after plans poised to safeguard jobs and create new roles were approved.
Croft Architectural Hardware, based between Lower Lichfield Street and Middle Piece Way, manufactures a range of brass and bronze door and window fittings and has been based in the town since it formed in 1972.
Bosses say in order for the company to grow it must expand its manufacturing areas and the plans are expected to create nearly a dozen jobs over the next few years.
Permission has been given to build an extension onto the factory of 2,798sq ft.
The planning application states: "The company manufactures a range of brass and bronze door and window fittings and is well known throughout the trade for the high quality items that they produce.
"To meet the future growth of the company it is necessary to expand the manufacturing areas.
"New CNC lathes and a matching centre are needed for the future and the new building is required to house them.
"The extra space and more modern machinery will not only safeguard the jobs of the existing workforce but will create work for possibly up to five extra staff over the course of the next two to three years."
The scheme includes replacing derelict buildings and the extension will be a steel portal frame building.
The number of parking spaces will also increase from 15 to 20, and new disabled and cycle spaces will be made available.
The company has been located at its present site since 1987, having extended the original premises to meet growing needs.
The heritage of the family-run business dates back as far as 1868 when the founder's grandfather first started manufacturing and selling architectural hardware items.
More jobs could be on the way in Willenhall as other firms have announced their own expansion plans in recent months.
It was recently announced that parcel delivery firm Yodel was looking to create more HGV parking spaces next to its sorting centre on the Willenhall and Darlaston border, with a view to creating more jobs.
Tailored Care, a care company looking after elderly and vulnerable adults in their homes, recently set up in the town and has started recruiting carers and office workers.
It also emerged towards the end of last year that transport firm Aspray24 was also looking to increase the size of its head office in Noose Lane which could bring new roles.
