Black Country firm expands after success of Molineux barrier seating operation
A Black Country firm which supplied Wolves with its pioneering barrier seating has expanded after interest from other clubs.
Alderdale Seating, based in Wolverhampton, installed 5,500 of the barrier seats in the Sir Jack Hayward Stand, also known as the South Bank, at Molineux.
The success of Alderdale's business operation has seen other potential suitors enquire about barrier seating. As a result, the firm has expanded and is creating more new jobs.
Operations director David Caddick said: "We manufacture all of our products in-house so this investment in new premises has given us the additional space we need to increase our operations as the business grows.
"As we continue to expand and build on our product output, we will be taking on more members of staff to meet the increasing demand."
All Premier League and Championship clubs are required to have an all-seating policy in their football grounds, under legislation by the Government.
However the installation of the barrier seating at Molineux was seen as a preliminary step for safe-standing at Molineux should government legislation change.
Standing at football grounds in England's top two divisions was banned by the Government in 1990 after report was made into the Hillsborough disaster where 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives.
Alderdale has now invested more than £200,000 in new larger premises, enabling the company to expand its workforce and manufacturing capabilities.
Steve Sutton, Head of Operations at Wolves, said: "We are delighted with our fantastic new barrier seats, provided by Alderdale seating. They worked tirelessly during the installation process to ensure that disruption was kept to a minimum.
"Furthermore, the installation of these seats effectively addresses the safety related issues of persistent standing and future proofs Molineux.
"Should the Government change the laws we will be 100 per cent ready for use as a formal safe standing area in future."
