Michelin Development helps Stoke-on-Trent business branch out into new markets with sustainable solution

(L-R): Head of Michelin Development, Noel Mulholland, with Future Developments’ Managing Director Dave Williams and Carol Hopkins, Michelin Development Co-ordinator.

Michelin Development is helping a Stoke-on-Trent cleaning product company launch a new venture, which has already created additional jobs in the city.

Future Developments, based in Burslem, has expanded its manufacturing base and is moving into new markets with its product line of effervescent tablets in tubes.

The tablets work with water to take effect and have multiple uses including plant feed, screen wash and appliance de-scaling.

They significantly reduce packaging waste and use fewer transportation resources, as well as needing less storage and shelf space for distributors and retailers.

Michelin Development has supported the company with a low-cost loan to help introduce new manufacturing equipment to meet demand for the tablets, with five new members of staff recruited by Future Development’s to run the facility.

They join the company’s existing 17-strong team at its Burslem site, where Future Developments has manufactured a wide-variety of cleaning products since the 1980s for distribution across UK and international markets.

Dave Williams, Managing Director of Future Developments, said: “We’ve done a great deal of work on the research and development of the tablet products with support from University of Keele, and they suggested we approach Michelin Development to take our plans forward.

“With Michelin Development’s support, we’ve being able to build a new tablet-manufacturing plant, which will enable us to meet stringent quality controls, and ramp up production to meet demand.

“We’ve always focused on sustainability, including operating a comprehensive bottle-filling service for our products.

“Now, with the tablet system in production, we can achieve even greater efficiencies and develop products for new and emerging markets.

“The process of dealing with Michelin Development has been straightforward and robust.

“We had to achieve certain criteria to access the loan, which has been invaluable for us to expand our capability with the new venture.

“Michelin Development recognised the environmental angle of the work we are doing and their support is much appreciated.”

Michelin Development works in the regions where Michelin premises are, or have been located, to support the economic regeneration and long-term prosperity of the local business community.

Targeted at manufacturing, engineering or service sector (B2B) businesses with fewer than 250 employees, loans of up to £100,000 are available, and they can be used to lever additional funding from other sources.

Carol Hopkins, Michelin Development Co-ordinator, said “Future Developments is supporting new manufacturing techniques, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

“It is delivering new products and processes to reach new markets, creating new jobs and supporting a more sustainable approach.”

To find out more visit www.michelindevelopment.co.uk