- 30th October 2006

Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology to Relocate to Bespoke Premises

Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology will be relocating from its existing premises in Yatton, Bristol, UK, which it has outgrown. An additional 40 jobs will be created as the company expands into new products and markets.

Architects have been appointed to design a scheme and progress a planning application for a bespoke building. This marks the first major step towards the regeneration of the 82 ha brownfield site on the outskirts of Weston–super-Mare.

Speaking about their decision to relocate, Keith Edwards, Financial Director of Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, said, “The former RAF Locking is an ideal location for our rapidly-expanding company, as we estimate that we will be employing over 200 staff by the time we relocate. This move allows us to retain our highly skilled workforce, and the site’s parkland environment, excellent communications and very competitive costs make it the perfect solution for us.”

Katharine West, development manager at the South West RDA said, "Oxford Instruments is just the sort of high-growth, high-tech business we want to attract and we are delighted to welcome them as our first occupier. It is an important step forward to kick-start this major development which will play a key role in regenerating Weston, bringing new businesses and jobs to the town.”

The former military training school was bought by the South West of England Regional Development Agency and the national regeneration agency English Partnerships from the Ministry of Defence in 2002. Both agencies have been working closely with North Somerset Council to ensure that the former RAF Locking site fulfils its potential as an employment-led development that helps attract new businesses to the town. RAF Locking was a RAF base just outside Weston super Mare in Somerset. It was the home of the RAF's No.1 Radio School until its relocation in 1999 to RAF Cosford.

Web: www.oxford-instruments.com