The Welsh Government plans to breathe new life into the former Hotpoint factory in Bodelwyddan and is investing £1.55m to acquire the site and secure its future as an employment site.
The 25 acre site includes the 354,000 sq ft factory, a loading bay, canteen and a 7 acre HGV trailer park.
The intention is to redevelop the site, split the main factory into two units of approximately 150,000 sq ft, suitable for inward investment and business expansion projects. The trailer park has the potential to be developed for smaller industrial units.
Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: “This is an important acquisition as it secures the site for future employment uses that can create jobs for local people. While there is little demand for very large factories in this area there is interest in the market for smaller properties.
“Our over riding aim is to help businesses grow, create jobs and attract new investment into the area. The site has the potential to provide accommodation for businesses moving into the region as well as expansion projects for local companies.”
The Hotpoint factory was built in the early 1980s and at its peak in 2004 employed 750 people. The plant closed in 2009 with the loss of 300 jobs. Despite being on the market for several years it has remained empty since, apart from temporary occupation by Mainetti when its Flintshire premises were destroyed by fire.
Welsh Government is aware that when the factory closed Indesit, the owner of Hotpoint, sought to implement an innovative social plan to reduce the impact which was targeted at finding positive solutions for the workforce. In line with that approach Indesit have now agreed the sale to Welsh Government on terms that compare favourably to the North Wales market , as the company is keen to facilitate new job creation on the site.