North West contractor Russells Construction has signed a £670,000 deal with Lockie Ltd
to build a new manufacturing facility and head office at Withins Lane in Haydock. The
deal will enable Lockie to move to a new build unit from its current premises, in nearby
Haydock Lane, by the summer.
The design of the 14,500 sq ft portal frame building has already been agreed and work is
set to start on site, with delivery due for June 2010. Andrew Russell, managing director
of Trafford-based Russells Construction, worked closely with Lockie managing director Bob
Pooley to put together the scheme.
Andrew said: "I'm delighted to have started 2010 in the same vein as we ended 2009, with
a new contract. Winning new clients is always a challenge and has been even more so in the
current economic climate. However, we focus heavily on customer service and work closely
with prospective clients to develop a scheme that is right for them and I believe that
attention to detail is why we have remained successful.
"This scheme has been under discussion for a number of months and we have managed to put
together a plan which is both viable for the client and retains our margins. I am delighted
that Lockie has chosen Russells Construction for this important project."
Lockie Ltd is a market leader in the manufacture and supply of church collection envelopes
and, through its sister company Hammond and Harper Ltd, also supplies a leading range of
ecclesiastical clothing. The new factory will enable Lockie Ltd to continue with its expansion programme.
Bob Pooley, managing director of Lockie said: "We had talked to a number of contractors about
the design and build of our new facility but had temporarily put the project on hold due to
the recession. However, when we decided to go live with the new building, Russells Construction
was able to give us the best design and build package and the most cost effective proposal in
order to meet our brief. This is a big investment for us and it was important for us to choose
a company which would deliver."
This is the second design and build contract announced by Russells Construction in the last
few weeks and follows news the firm is to provide a new facility for F Duerr and Sons in
Runcorn as part of a £1.5m deal. The firm has signed almost £20m of new work over the last
12 months, despite the difficult economic climate.
Andrew Russell added: "2009 was a tough year in the commercial property market but we have
turned a profit as we continued to commence new projects, sign land deals and secure new
design and build contracts. Our focus was on expansion into new sectors such as the hotel
and leisure industry, working with end users rather than developers, and developing
existing relationships. Continuing in that vein will be key to our future success in 2010."
