Aeronautical firm's expansion to create new jobs

The new factory at Rotherwas industrial zone will create "at least 50" new jobs

A Herefordshire firm that makes specialist aircraft parts will create "at least 50" new full time jobs after it was told it could go ahead with a new factory in the Rotherwas industrial zone.

Techtest, part of the HR Smith group, makes emergency locator and testing equipment for civil and military planes.

With planning permission now granted, it can proceed with the 3,100 sq m plant on a vacant plot on Hursey Road.

The new jobs will include a "small" apprentice school to train up more skilled workers locally, according to the firm’s planning application.

The group already employs 328 locally, making it one of the largest employers in the Rotherwas enterprise zone, where it already occupies 10 buildings in addition to its base in Kingsland.

New developments in the enterprise zone are covered by a local development order (LDO) which streamlines the planning application process.

For this reason, no public comments were taken on Techtest’s bid.

Planning officer Heather Carlisle concluded its proposal met the requirements of the LDO.

"The provision of car sharing space and EV charging points is welcomed," she added.

Among conditions for granting planning permission, building work has to start within a year, a travel plan must be submitted and an investigation must be carried out into the possibly contaminated land at the former wartime munitions manufacturing area.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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