Uniplan is one of the largest private employers in Armidale, and it is expanding into a new purpose-built building at Seaton St in Acacia Industry Park.
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Cr Peter Bailey said he was excited to see Uniplan expanding to the new facility.
"This new investment further cements Acacia Industry Park as Armidale's manufacturing hub," he said.
"Estimates are the precinct now employs over 1000 people.
"Between the construction of the new factory and investment in state of the art machinery, this is a $12 million investment that is slated to add an additional 70 to 80 jobs over the following three years."
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In 1999 the company started as Timberline with a three-man team of Howard, Ben, and William Scott. At that time, all building they constructed out of doors.
Now the business has grown and increased its facilities and capabilities with three brands - Timberline bathroom furniture, Uniplan prefabricated homes, and Duroclass vanity tops.
Across this portfolio, 100 per cent of the work is currently manufactured indoors at three factories situated on Myrtle Drive in Acacia Industry Park, but ongoing demand has resulted in the need for a fourth factory to house the Uniplan operation.
The company does all its manufacturing in Armidale to distribute across Australia, and since 2014 it also operates a Timberline business in North America.
With a floor area of 6000 sqm, this fourth building will create a massive footprint on Seaton Street in Acacia Industry Park and expand the company's total presence in the manufacturing hub to an area of 14,000 sqm.
The company presently employs over 180 people and will continue to expand over the next 12 months.
Ben Scott is the managing director of Uniplan, and he recently outlined the plans for the additional factory to Armidale Mayor Ian Tiley and Councillors Peter Bailey and Andrew Murat on-site.
He also congratulated them on how easy it was to work with the council's planning department.
Mr Scott said he is passionate about manufacturing in regional locations and the opportunity it brings to local communities.
"Armidale needs to foster more manufacturing," he said.
"I believe that is where opportunities for growth for the town economy lie - in creating more industry, manufacturing, and economic activity.
"We have absolute faith in Armidale, and we see our new investment on Seaton Street as reinforcement of our presence in Acacia Industry Park."
It is anticipated the new factory will be open next April.
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Vanessa Arundale
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
