Construction is underway on AESSEAL’s ‘Factory of the Future’ at Mill Close in a project bringing the company’s total investment in Rotherham to £61 million ($80 million).

“This investment gives us room for expansion and paves the way for an additional £20 million of investment in the Rotherham area over the next five to ten years depending on the continued growth of our global customer base,” said Chris Rea, managing director of the parent group AES Engineering Ltd.

The 10 acre, low-density site includes a ‘Tree Walk’ for educational and leisure purposes with a wetlands area, and accommodation for bees, hedgehogs and other wildlife. Project spending includes £5.8 million ($7.5 million) of ‘green-only’ investment, such as solar panels, battery storage, and other energy-saving or environmental measures.

A total of 175,000 sq. ft. of new factory buildings are being constructed to the highest environmental standards and the existing plant is also being updated and refurbished as part of the scheme.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham visited AESSEAL for a ceremonial contract signing to launch the building project. When completed in January 2023 the site will house one of the world’s most advanced and environmentally-friendly precision-engineering factories.

AESSEAL is a major supplier of reliability services and equipment to global industry – helping companies save water, energy and cut pollution with products including advanced seals and water management equipment. The group has operations in more than 100 countries globally. AESSEAL plc in Rotherham is the main manufacturing centre and also houses the global headquarters.

Chris Rea said that the Factory of the Future was a sign of commitment not just to the Rotherham area but also to the continuing contribution of precision engineering and reliability services to a greener future for the planet.