A Bristol construction company is planning to create 50 jobs in Somerset after investing in a new plasterboard manufacturing facility in the county.
Etex said its new 57,000 m sq plant in Easton-in-Gordano would double production capacity for its Siniat brand, which already employs 506 people in the region, and would create job opportunities across a range of departments, including manufacturing, operations and production.
The business said it was also "keen" to encourage more young people to enter the sector with its operator apprenticeship scheme, which is designed to help the firm meet its future skills requirements.
Neil Shaw, UK country manager at Etex, said: “Investment in our Bristol facility goes hand-in-hand with investment in our people. Our teammates are key to helping us meet the growing demand for plasterboard across the UK and in ensuring the new facility is a success."
Etex said the new facility would have a "core focus" on sustainability, and the firm would also be contributing £10,000 to improve pedestrian and cycle access to the site for employees.
The company is also planning to implement a rainwater-harvesting system, which it said would save the plant up to 1.7 million litres of water a year. Installation points for solar panels and electric car charging stations will also be fitted.
It follows the establishment of Etex’s 'green team' of 30 global specialists, who came together to produce Etex’s first CSR report.
“For any business, a focus on sustainability is crucial and we know that this is a core value of our employees and our community in Bristol," Mr Shaw added.
"This site will not only strengthen our ability to develop superior building materials for our UK customers, but it will also give us the capacity to compete on a global scale whilst driving the green agenda.”
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