News story

Baroness lifts the lid on new manufacturing plant

The Minister will visit Bootle Containers, near Liverpool, to see the company’s new state-of-the-art centre. Recently completed as part of…

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The Minister will visit Bootle Containers, near Liverpool, to see the company’s new state-of-the-art centre.

Recently completed as part of the firm’s investment programme, the new 800 square metre facility has helped Bootle Containers to increase output and become more energy efficient.

While onsite the Minister will tour the new plant and meet with some of the company’s 50 workers and apprentices.

The Minister said:

“Bootle Containers has gone from strength to strength by investing in new facilities and its workforce, which has placed it in a prime position to take advantage of burgeoning overseas markets.

“Manufacturing makes a vital contribution to the growth of a more sustainable UK economy, which is why it remains central to the Government’s Strategy for Growth.

“That is also why we are working to tackle the perceptions of the industry, particularly among young people through our Make it in Great Britain campaign, to demonstrate how vibrant and rewarding a career in manufacturing can be in the twenty-first century.”

Founded in 1974, Bootle Containers has diversified from supplying storage for Liverpool’s docks to now designing, building and refurbishing containers and accommodation units for many applications all over the world, particularly in the oil & gas and military sectors.

The company was awarded the ‘Improved Business & Innovation’ Award at the Sefton Business Awards last year.

Managing Director and Chairman, Les Richards, said:

“I am delighted with the development within the site at Bootle Containers.

“The investment in a downturn was the right course of action for this company, and we are now reaping the rewards in terms of attracting new business from both national and international markets.

“My vision for the business is to develop a ‘Best in Class’ manufacturing facility that can compete on a global stage, and we are well on our way to achieving this.”

Also this morning, the Minister addressed hundreds of delegates at the Society of Maritime Industries Conference in Liverpool. There she highlighted the work of the Government’s Marine Industries Growth Strategy, which was formed to lead businesses to further growth, including expanding the domestic offshore renewable energy industry and building on partnerships with universities to continue to produce world leading research and investment.

**Notes to editors:

**1. Bootle Containers

For more information about Bootle Containers visit [www.bootlecontainers.co.uk](http://www.bootlecontainers.co.uk)

  1. Strategy for Growth for the UK marine industries

**The strategy for growth for the UK Marine Industries (PDF, 845 Kb) was launched on 19 September 2011 at the Southampton Boat Show. Drawing on the thinking of business, government and universities, it is the first integrated UK strategy for the marine industries and establishes a foundation for ambitious but sustainable long-term growth.

  1. BIS’s online newsroom contains the latest press notices, speeches, as well as video and images for download. It also features an up to date list of BIS press office contacts. See [http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom](http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom) for more information.

Notes to Editors

Contact Information

Name BIS Press Office Job Title

Division Department for Business, Innovation & Skills Phone

Fax

Mobile

Email bispress.releases@bis.gsi.gov.uk

Name Andy Aston Job Title

Division Department for Business, Innovation & Skills Phone 0207 215 6963 Fax

Mobile

Email andy.aston@bis.gsi.gov.uk

Published 15 May 2012