MAJOR MANUFACTURER COMPLETES EXPANSION

A Nottinghamshire-based company that manufactures rubber products for the aerospace, defence and industrial sectors and counts the likes of Airbus, Boeing and Rolls-Royce among its clients, has moved into a new research and development base.

The move by Icon Aerospace, which is part of the Applied Composites Group, marks the completion of another phase of Retford’s Northern Tower regeneration project being carried out by development and investment group Strawsons Property.

The facility provides state-of-the-art accommodation that houses Icon Aerospace’s growing workforce while allowing for an increase in productivity and output.

The scheme has seen Strawsons Property overhaul the 300-year-old site with plans for work to start on the Northern Tower Retail Park later this year.

Tim Hair, chief executive of Applied Composites Group, said: "Icon has been at the centre of Retford for well over a century and we are delighted that, working closely with Strawsons Property, we have been able to stay on the site while moving to excellent new factory and office buildings. 

"Icon Aerospace Technology supplies critical parts to the aerospace and defence industry and we look forward to continued growth.

"The Northern Tower development gives us a world class facility from which to pursue our plans."

Adam Jones of Strawsons Property said: "We are immensely proud to deliver this very exciting regeneration project that has secured Icon Aerospace’s presence and their 300 high skilled jobs in our home town of Retford. 

"With the works for Icon Aerospace now completed we look forward to starting work on the Northern Tower Retail Park that will create an additional 100 jobs and dramatically improve the amenities available in the town.

"The retail park has already received a lot of interest from the UK’s leading retailers in grocery, fashion, home and DIY and general merchandise, and we are confident that it will form an integral and much valued part of the town and local community."