MP Alan Mak helped cut the ribbon as Colt International recently celebrated after opening a new factory in Havant. More than 100 people attended the ceremony on September 22, supporting Colt International as it opened its new factory.
Since 1963, Colt had been based in New Lane, Havant, but has recently opened new sites in Petersfield, Waterlooville and the new manufacturing facility in Kenwood Business Park, Havant.
Attendees were treated to a buffet lunch and had a chance to network with other professionals, with tours of the factory and product demonstrations taking place.
Alan Mak MP said: “Colt is a great British manufacturing success story based here in Havant. So I was delighted to open their new factory, which is a strong vote of confidence in our local economy which like Colt is creating new jobs for local people and giving more local people a bright, secure future."
The relocation was kept local, with all contractors used based in the area. Over 2,000 tonnes of materials, equipment and machinery were transferred across to the new site. The move also resulted in a 30% reduction of electricity consumption, with no days lost in production.
Managing director Nick Buckingham said: ‘It was a big decision for us, moving our factory operations. The building we were operating out of had served its purpose, and served us well, but it had become quite old.
‘As our business is ever-growing, the move has been both strategic and it seemed like the right time, in keeping with our demand.
‘We are an international company, but we are local at heart. We have dedicated staff that have worked with us for over 30 years.
‘It was important to us to keep things localised for them so we are all very really pleased to have acquired this fantastic new space.’