A factory expansion which will create 62 new jobs has been signed off after being supported by councillors.
Cosma Casting UK has had plans approved to increase the floorspace at its Telford 54 Business Park by 46 per cent.
The extended factory will home two new die-casting units to support manufacturing of additional product lines from the factory. Plans also include an area for tool storage and two-storey offices.
Applicant Magna International Holding stated that the expansion comes after the company recently secured a new contract to manufacture additional product lines.
The new contract will create 62 new full-time jobs in addition to its existing 400 strong workforce.
The new die-casting units will be used to manufacture additional product lines of ‘high strength aluminum components’ for the electric vehicle automotive industry.
The applicant states that the development will deliver a ‘a modern, fit-for-purpose building designed to the latest environmental standards’.
“Clearly this significant economic investment at Telford T54 will deliver a positive impact on the local economy leading to the creation of additional jobs, including construction jobs and potential spin-off investment in the town,” said the application.
“Importantly, these would be ‘green’ jobs supporting innovation within the burgeoning EV sector of the future automotive industry.
“As Magna is moving forward to reach its goal for carbon neutrality in its European operations by 2025 and global operations by 2030, sustainable principles, including the use of solar energy, have been incorporated into the planning of the site.”
A new gatehouse building is part of the planning proposals and car parking would be expanded from 229 to 274 spaces.
A temporary contractor’s compound is also proposed, on land currently owned by Telford & Wrekin Council.
The council’s planning officer said that a contribution to the highway network was required due to a ‘marginal increase’ in rush hour trips.
They commented that electric vehicle charging spaces had been included within the car park and there was a ‘robust and sustainable drainage model’.
The planning officer added that the roof will be constructed in such a manner that in future solar panels can be fitted.
As part of the proposed plans the applicant would pay £5,000 towards travel plan monitoring, £7,289 for strategic highways improvements and £250 towards Section 106 monitoring.
The scheme was put before Telford & Wrekin councillors due to the application involving council owned land and creating over 10,000 square meters of gross floor area.
Councillors supported the scheme at their December meeting and they have now been signed off by Telford & Wrekin Council.
Source: Shropshire Star
