NEW PLANT AND 100 NEW JOBS
Unite Group PLC
4 April 2002
Date: 4 April 2002
On behalf of: The UNITE Group plc ('UNITE')
Embargoed until: 0700
UNITE UNVEILS EUROPE'S LARGEST MODULAR MANUFACTURING FACILITY
A new flagship manufacturing facility, unique in Europe and capable of producing
high volume fully furnished bedroom and bathroom modules, is to be opened in
Gloucestershire by UNITE, the UK's leading provider of student and key worker
accommodation services.
To date UNITE has secured over 23,000 beds for students and key workers. As part
of achieving its growth plans, UNITE has developed a fast track modular
construction system that can deliver its own distinctive, consistent brand of
quality, affordable accommodation. Complete furnished bedroom and bathroom
modules are pre-fabricated under factory conditions by UNITE to industry leading
quality and performance. The modules are then delivered to site and installed
as part of the traditional construction process to create accommodation that
achieves guaranteed quality, increased speed of construction and improved cost
efficiencies.
The new manufacturing operation at Stonehouse will enable UNITE to use
innovative highly automated processes. UNITE has acquired a modern high
specification 180,000 sq ft premises, conveniently located just off Junction 13
of the M5 motorway at Stonehouse, near Stroud. The new facility is expected to
begin operations in April and create 100 new jobs in the area by the end of the
year with the potential for growth in excess of over 250 jobs. The operation at
Stonehouse is replacing UNITE's existing much smaller, more traditional
manufacturing base in Bristol.
Nicholas Porter, Chief Executive of UNITE commented: 'I am delighted to announce
that we will shortly be opening a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in
Gloucester. The new facility will enable us to roll out high volume leading edge
manufacturing within UNITE and marks the latest successful development in our
strategy of delivering affordable, consistently high quality accommodation for
students and key workers around the UK.'
David Drew, Member of Parliament for Stroud, added: 'I am delighted to hear this
news. The UNITE Group is a company with a growing reputation in the provision
of student accommodation and I am very pleased to hear that they are situating
their major new manufacturing plant in Stonehouse. This initiative represents
the best endeavours of partnership and I thank everyone who has made it
possible. I shall look forward to working with UNITE over the coming years to
help drive onward the Government's commitment to the advancement of quality
higher education which this new plant will provide a significant boost to.'
Press Enquiries:
Nick Porter, Chief Executive, The UNITE Group plc Tel: 020 7902 5054
Emma Kane or Scott Convoy, Redleaf Communications Tel: 020 7955 1410
Mob: 07876 338339
Notes to Editors:
• UNITE was founded in 1991 by Nicholas Porter
• UNITE is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange
• Further information is available at the Company's website at
www.unite-group.co.uk
ENDS
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