A LUDLOW business that employs nearly 30 people and exports all over the world has secured the site of the former Coder Road highways depot.

The move clears the way for a major expansion for Flowfit that started from the front room of a house less than 20 years ago and is now one of the town’s major employers.

Linked to the move will be the arrival of an international business associated with the Ludlow based manufacturer and distributor of hydraulic equipment.

Flowfit will take over the one acre site that became available when Shropshire Council closed the waste facility last year.

The building that has 18,000 square feet of space will be used for manufacturing and the storage of stock.

Flowfit was formed in 1996 and is owned by local business man Simon Parsonage. The acquisition of the site means that the company will be able to expand and stay in Ludlow.

The existing unit in Parys Road will stay.

As well as safeguarding the existing 28 jobs in the town it also clears the way for new opportunities for local people.

The company hopes that in the coming years it could be providing work for up to 50 people in the town.

Simon Parsonage said that where possible Flowfit tries to employ people from the town and surrounding area.

Flowfit has 45,000 customers all over the world including as far away as Australia although the biggest export market is Europe.

The company specialised in the manufacture and distribution of hydraulic components and equipment.

Mr Parsonage says that the relative isolation of Ludlow is not a problem and that a customer based in Australia can have an order delivered within a few days.

“We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of securing badly needed extra warehousing and manufacturing space to cope with the huge growth and expansion we are enjoying at present,” said Mr Parsonage.

“I would like to thank all at Shropshire Council for supporting and believing in a growing Ludlow based company who will continue to grow, expand and deliver more jobs for local people.

“The new site will also allow us to expand our engineering and manufacturing division forthwith. We also have the added news of a new international company coming too Ludlow in the next few months that will bring even more new jobs to Ludlow.”

Mr Parsonage, whose family is from Ludlow, said that the success of the business in the town would not have been possible but for the support of the former South Shropshire District Council that provided access to ‘starter units’ in the early days.

He said that the business had not been affected by the economic downturn of the past seven years.

“We are vibrant and dynamic and this combined with having a good reputation has enabled us to do well,” said Mr Parsonage.

As well has having the sales operation in Ludlow where people call in and pick-up equipment the company also sells extensively on-line.