Chemical firm’s expansion defies economy gloom

Last updated 19:41, Thursday, 06 November 2008

A CHEMICAL company in Workington is bucking the economic trend by expanding its operation.

Expansion: Eastman Chemical Workington has just completed an expansion project which has increased output by 60 per cent. In front of the new building are, from right: site manager Andy McLeod, manufacturing superintendent Steve Roberts, operations manager Brian Rushforth and construction manager Gavin Ranson

Eastman Chemical in Siddick completed its 18-month expansion programme last week, creating 18 new jobs and increasing production.

Site manager Andy McLeod, 44, said: “It is good for our employees and the area in general.

“The workforce were relieved when they heard that the expansion was going ahead, because it told them that there was a future.

“Even with a downturn in the economy, we plan to continue expansion and growth for our company.”

The new buildings on the site have allowed production of acetate tow, used in the manufacture of cigarette filters, to rise by 60 per cent.

He added that the company was optimistic about the future.

“There is growth in the European region – that is the primary reason for the expansion,” said Mr McLeod.

“Our balance sheet is good. We have improved our debt situation so we are better prepared to weather the downturn.”

The company has been manufacturing acetate tow in Workington for almost 40 years, and its polymer section of its business was sold off to Thai firm Indoroma Holding in April. American-owned Eastman employs 180 people at the site.