HR Smith Group invests further in Hereford Enterprise Zone

Work has just kicked off on a £6 million advanced manufacturing centre at Herefordshire's Skylon business park.

Collins Design and Build has been appointed to develop the 31,000 sq ft centre for TechTest Ltd, part of the HR Smith Group.

It is the third expansion at the site by the HR Smith Group, bringing the Kingsland-based company's total investment in the Hereford Enterprise Zone to £11 million.

The new facility will create up to 50 new jobs in the county and is expected to enhance Techtest's capacity to make its cutting-edge aerospace search and rescue equipment, such as distress beacons used by pilots and crew to alert the authorities.

Phil Collins, of Pontrilas-based Collins Design & Build, said work had just started on the 1.64 acre site.

"This is the 45th building we have either constructed or refurbished at Rotherwas," he said.

"Our programme of work here has seen our company thrive since its inception in 1967, when it was a tractor and agricultural machinery business, before developing into a steel framed construction business in 1973.

"HR Smith’s requirements here are exciting, and a throw-back to the early 20th century design, commonly known as ‘Northlight Ridge’ buildings with a series of steep and mainly glazed apex panels, facing north, to allow a lot of natural light into building."

The HR Smith Group currently employs 328 people and has a long-standing history in Herefordshire after relocating to the county over 45 years ago.

It has consistently focused its growth in the region, with operations at Rotherwas and its headquarters in Kingsland, alongside a sales and distribution office in Rockford, Tennessee, USA.

Cllr Graham Biggs, cabinet member for economy and growth at Herefordshire Council, said: "This latest investment highlights the attractiveness of Skylon Park as a hub for high-tech industries.

"We’ve a strong and growing ecosystem for aerospace and defence industries in Herefordshire, creating higher skilled better paid jobs for the county and local people."