Specialist engineering company Reliance Precision aims to create around 80 new jobs and expand its Huddersfield site by a third.
The Fenay Bridge-based company is planning a significant investment into its Rowley Mills site off Penistone Road in what it describes as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity.
The family-owned business wants to extend and improve facilities at Rowley Mills, providing a new entrance building and flexible high-tech production space, increasing the total size by a third.
The growth would also see its workforce expanded by about 80 to a total of 300.
Public consultation is being launched prior to the submission of a planning application to Kirklees Council.
Reliance Precision makes specialist engineering parts for machinery working in the toughest climates. This includes space, under-sea craft, aerospace and unmanned vehicles, along with vital components and production assembly systems for businesses.
In recent years Reliance has grown into new sectors such as satellites, bionic prosthetics and DNA analysis instruments.
Reliance has also recently acquired International House which is located across from Rowley Mills. It will become vacant by the end of 2026.
Planning permission was previously granted to redevelop International House and Reliance wishes to retain and enact this approval as part of this project.
In future, International House and Rowley Mills would function as separate, standalone parts of the Reliance operation.
The expansion would bring the company’s contribution to £23.8m of GVA (Gross Value Added) to the regional economy each year.
Reliance has a proud record of training local young people through its apprenticeship scheme and approximately 10% of the workforce are apprentices. This offering would be enhanced through the additional facilities and business growth.
James Selka DL, non-executive director and one of the family owners of Reliance Precision, said: “This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance our facilities, support our future growth and create new specialist jobs in the Kirklees area.
“We have carefully designed the proposals to be of a sustainable design which will fit sensitively in the surroundings. We look forward to receiving feedback and views which will inform the upcoming planning submission.”
Residents are invited to a public consultation event on Tuesday November 19 2024 (3pm-7pm) at St John’s Church, Green Balk Lane, Lepton, HD8 0EW.
A website has also been created which will include full consultation materials and feedback form from Tuesday November 19 at www.reliance-consultation.co.uk
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