Knowsley-based processed glass manufacturer Tuff X has successfully expanded into new markets after a grant boost from the Merseyside Jobs and Growth Fund.
Tuff X use modern engineering technology to produce specialist, safety glass for domestic and commercial uses. With a growing demand for innovative new products came the need to maintain competitiveness by investing in new, high-tech equipment.
After discussing plans with Knowsley Council the company was referred to St Helens Chamber, who manage the Fund, to apply for a grant from the Merseyside Jobs and Growth Fund.
Their plans were approved and they were awarded £75,000, the maximum grant available to businesses through the Fund.
With the funding they have been able to purchase a state-of-the-art furnace to produce new, high quality products, whilst also reducing energy costs and creating 20 new jobs.
John Tierney, Operations Director, commented: “The new furnace has opened up lots of new avenues for us. Our turnover is up by 15% thanks to new business and increased throughput and we’ve doubled the expected job creation.”
The Merseyside Jobs and Growth Fund is managed by St Helens Chamber and provides grants for businesses planning to expand or invest in Merseyside and Halton, creating new jobs for local people.
Funded by the Regional Growth Fund, grants of up to £75,000 are available to provide investment for growth when conventional finance is not available elsewhere. Grants are available for a range of capital projects that will create new employment opportunities, such as purchasing new premises, expanding current premises or capital expenditure on plant and machinery.
John says: “The application process was self-explanatory and easy to follow. I’d highly recommend the Fund to any company looking to bring in new business as a result of job creation.”
Geoff Bates, Regional Growth Fund Programme Manager at St Helens Chamber, says: “Tuff X is a highly innovative company striving to stay ahead of market developments. Thanks to the Fund they’ve been able to manufacture additional specialised products, bringing in more business and creating a high number of jobs.”
John added: “In terms of production there was a bottleneck and without the Fund we wouldn’t have been able to expand our labour force and reach new markets.”
Businesses can apply for grants of up to 20% of their total project value. Eligible projects should have a minimum net value of £30,000. There is no upper limit to the project value but the maximum award is £75,000.
For further information on the Merseyside Jobs and Growth Fund and to download an expression of interest form visit the webpage or call Geoff Bates on 01744 742087.
