Supersonic launch for REID Lifting’s new facility in Chepstow

The Chepstow based company – which specialises in manufacturing a range of lightweight portable lifting equipment – designed and made a bespoke gantry lifting system for the vehicle to enable the BLOODHOUND team to work on all areas of the supersonic car.

REID Lifting has close links with the project with two of their engineers volunteering as BLOODHOUND STEM ambassadors visiting local schools to talk about the project and inspire the next generation about science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Pupils from Wyedean School and Thornwell Primary will be given a special preview of the supersonic car and a tour of the new factory ahead of the an International Sales Conference for REID’s overseas customers and distributors on Thursday 15 June and the official opening on Friday June 16.

The Welsh Government is providing £680,000 business finance towards the company’s new 45,000 sq ft facility on Newhouse Farm Industrial Estate. The investment and expansion has already created 23 high quality jobs, bringing the headcount to 44.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: 

“I am delighted the Welsh Government is supporting this important expansion project which has already created a significant number of new jobs locally. I also applaud their work with local schools encouraging the take up of STEM subjects and wish the company every success in the future.”

Managing Director Nick Battersby said: 

“The investment in the facilities and the company’s future is already paying dividends with significantly increased capacity, shorter lead times and a highly motivated workforce. We are very proud to be able to show off our premises to our international partners, suppliers and local community.”

It has seen a 50% growth in sales/turnover in the last few years with forecast growth of 25% in the coming year.