Atlas maps out plans to create 100 jobs at new site

Specialist manufacturing company Atlas Composite Technologies is set to create more than 100 jobs at a new facility on the back of a seven-figure investment.

The site is due to be fully operational by September and will enable Atlas to ramp up production to meet growing demand for its composites. The facility will initially generate 30 jobs, rising to more than 100 over the next three years.
Atlas manufactures complex composites for use in a range of sectors, including aerospace, defence, medical, elite motorsport and niche automotive, such as supercars and hypercars. It currently operates from three sites in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

Its growth strategy is being supported by WeDo Business Services group, which made a seven-figure investment last year.

Ben Swain, head of commercial at Atlas, said: “The new facility takes our total footprint in Derbyshire to more than 90,000sq ft. It marks a significant milestone for our long-term growth strategy while also reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality products and services to our clients, and helping to drive economic growth in the region.

“It will enable us to scale up production to meet growing demand for our composite solutions, representing a major expansion of our manufacturing capacity. The new facility will generate 30 jobs initially, and we expect this to grow to more than 100 over the next three years.

“It will also enable our Ilkeston headquarters to become a research and development centre, as well as increasing manufacturing there.

“Located close to other renowned manufacturing companies such as Rolls-Royce, the new facility positions Atlas at the heart of a thriving industrial hub. With this strategic move, we aim to leverage the synergies and collaborative opportunities that arise from coexisting with industry leaders, further enhancing our position as a trusted and innovative provider in the composite manufacturing sector.”

He added: “This expansion is testament to the hard work and dedication of our talented staff, whose expertise and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in our success. We are proud to invest in their skills and provide them with an even greater platform to showcase their abilities, while providing new highly-skilled jobs in the advanced manufacturing sector.

“The unwavering support and belief in the company’s vision shown by WeDo and Derby City Council have been pivotal in facilitating this expansion.”

Atlas, which currently employs 105 staff, expects to grow turnover to more than £10m in 2024 as a result of its expansion.

It is seeing strong growth in sectors such as niche automotive, aerospace and defence.

The company is recruiting for a range of roles at the new Derby site, including shop-floor manufacturing operatives and positions in its engineering, quality, stores and training teams.

WeDo, which has its headquarters in Oldham and additional offices at MediaCityUK in Salford, Sheffield, Bromsgrove, Swindon and Colchester, provides a range of services to small and medium-sized companies, including invoice and trade finance, start-up funding, accountancy, HR, back-office, IT, and payroll support.

Group chief executive Mark Lindsay said: “We are delighted to support Atlas with its latest expansion plans. Atlas has an excellent track record of supplying composite solutions of the highest quality to clients across a range of sectors, and it’s exciting to see the business flourishing.

“As our relationship with Atlas strengthens, we are looking to provide ongoing financial support to help kit out the new site and add further value through our outsourced HR support services, to support the recruitment drive and changing requirements of the management team.”

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