Hundreds of jobs have been secured, and hundreds more will be created, thanks to a major new manufacturing site in Ashfield.
Ashfield District Council has approved plans for the multi-million-pound, 7.28-hectare development southeast of Junction 27 of the M1, in Mansfield Road, Annesley.
In a major coup for the district, Derbyshire aluminium firm Garnalex is moving across the border into Nottinghamshire, bringing with it more than 300 local jobs and plans to create hundreds more.
Phase 1
Phase 1 will see the UK-based aluminium windows and doors business – which produces a range of thermally efficient, low-carbon alternatives to imported products – move from its current home near Belper.
The new site, which should be completed in the next 18–24 months, will provide much-improved transport links, with easy access to the M1, along with room to expand for the firm, which was voted the Aluminium Systems Company of the Year in 2024.
Founded by Roger Hartshorn in 2018 to help reduce the UK’s reliance on imported aluminium, Garnalex intends to become a significant employer for Ashfield, bringing much-needed long-term employment opportunities to the area.
Garnalex says the 350,000 sq ft building will be as green and sustainable as possible and built with a façade designed to blend in with its natural surroundings. The project will also include wildlife corridors and tree planting to soften the impact of the development.
Phase 2
Phase 2 allows for future expansion of the site – helping ensure jobs remain in the Ashfield district and keeping lorries out of residential areas, with quick, easy access to the motorway.
Ashfield District Council Leader, Cllr Jason Zadrozny, said:
“This is a significant development coming to Ashfield and illustrates just how attractive the district is to the business community.
“In the past five years, we have approved planning applications that equate to more than 7,000 potential jobs in Ashfield. That is proof we are now a location and destination of choice for employers. This development is a real boon for our rural communities in Annesley, Selston, Jacksdale, and Underwood, who will see new jobs on their doorstep.”
Roger Hartshorn from Garnalex said:
“We’re thrilled to bring this development to Ashfield. Garnalex is ambitious, and we have plans to expand further and create hundreds more jobs in the coming years.”
