North Swindon MP Welcomes New £1million Investment At Edmont Opening

Local MP Justin Tomlinson was on hand to open the new Edmont joinery factory in Upper Stratton, a new £1 million investment which is set to increase production and create more jobs.

This £1m plus investment in a 9,000 sq ft new building and associated machinery will increase Edmont’s joinery production by over 50% adding further employment to the current 100+ Swindon workforce, and the business’s £20m+ annual turnover. In addition to the directly employed workforce, the company supports numerous local suppliers and subcontractors, contributing further to the local economy.

Edmont Chairman Les Clark, who co-founded the company in 1971, welcomed Justin and other guests on the morning. Les is still very much involved in the running of the business and was instrumental in the moving forward of this expansion project. A second phase development (currently under construction) will be completed next year.

Edmont Joinery was established in 1971, operating from premises in William Street in the centre of Swindon.  In 1980 the company moved its operation to the current address in Upper Stratton on land provided by, and next to new shareholders, Arkell’s Brewery who had recently invested in the business.  The company now employs over 100 people with the majority based at the 1.6 hectare (4 acre) site.

Whilst joinery manufacture is still a major part of Edmont’s business, the company also has large construction and fit-out divisions delivering projects country-wide. The company name is now Edmont Ltd. Projects range from multiple retail fit-outs at Heathrow and other UK airports to refurbishing high street branches for Nationwide Building Society; from sensitive heritage building restorations in the Cotswolds to the construction of new schools, pubs and leisure centres.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “I was absolutely delighted to come and open the new factory – a move that further increase investment into Swindon and create more jobs. Earlier this week we saw the most up to date employment figures for North Swindon which showed yet again that there are more people in work and that the number of people claiming out of work benefits has fallen by a staggering 59%. It is thanks to companies like Edmont, who keep expanding and increasing productivity in our town, that our local economy is thriving. I’d like to take the chance to thank Les and all of the employers who continue to support our town in this way – they are a fantastic asset.”