Major Ryedale employer holds public exhibition about future development (From Gazette & Herald)

Rosti McKechnie holds public exhibition about future development

12:00pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Karen Darley

A PUBLIC exhibition is to be held next weekend to provide local people with an insight into the future development plans of a major Ryedale employer.

Rosti McKechnie announced last week a long-term strategic agreement with an automotive partner to develop key components for several new vehicle models up to 2017 and beyond which could create up to 200 jobs at the site.

To accommodate this growth, Rosti McKechnie has said it will need to invest in new machinery and processes, along with building a new storage and logistics facility on the current site. Work will start shortly on recruiting the new staff who will join in 2014.

John Woodhead, Rosti McKechnie’s plant director in Pickering, said: “As the town’s largest employer, Rosti McKechnie Ltd is opening its doors to provide a unique insight into our future development plans for 2013/2014.

“We plan to erect a new building to accommodate the expansion, meaning an additional 200 new employment prospects and we would really value local people’s feedback.”

Mr Woodhead said the agreement was fantastic news for the company.

“The investment planned can only be positive for the loyal workforce we have, while creating further opportunities in the area,” he said.

“The local community has been very supportive of our business over the years and that support will again be vital as we embark on this latest development.”

McKechnie Plastic Components has traded from the Westgate Carr Road facility in Pickering since 1969, in partnership with customers like Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, Plastic Omnium and Hewlett Packard.

In the last four years, sales have grown by more than 35 per cent. In 2012, the company was bought by the Swedish headquartered Rosti group.

In addition to the Pickering facility and its sister plant at Stamford Bridge, Rosti has hi-tech injection moulding operations in seven countries around the world and has an annual turnover in excess of 320m Euros.

The public exhibition will be held at Pickering Memorial Hall on Saturday, March 16, 2.30pm-6pm. Light refreshments will be provided and a short presentation will also be given.