Surveying experts are now on the site of a proposed factory at Ainley Top.

Turnbridge-based Cummins Turbo Technologies revealed in August that it wants to move its manufacturing base to a new-build factory at Ainley Top.

The firm has identified green belt land in Calderdale bounded by Brighouse Road, New Hey Road and the M62 as the site for its proposed 18,600sq metres facility to replace its ageing factory at Turnbridge.

Preliminary work begins on the Cummins Turbo Technologies site off New Hey Road near Ainley Top.

It will replace the manufacturing premises on the left side of St Andrew’s Road as you head towards the John Smith’s Stadium. This will be demolished and the 24,000sq metres of land sold.

Once the new facility is built, about 400 jobs currently based at the firm’s St Andrew’s Road site, will transfer to the new plant. The aim is for the move to start in 2017 and take several months.

It’s a severe blow to Kirklees Council as it will lose the business rates from the factory to Calderdale. Cummins has confirmed it was not offered any incentives by Calderdale Council to make the move into the neighbouring borough.

Now surveyors are at the site looking at the practicalities of building the factory there before a formal planning application is submitted.

Shaded location off New hey Road shows approximate location of proposed Cummins' factory
Shaded location off New hey Road shows approximate location of proposed Cummins' factory

Cummins’ Huddersfield Turbo Plant Transformation Director Mark Prior said: “We are conducting a more detailed study of the proposed site as we prepare to submit the planning application.

“This proposed site was selected after a comprehensive evaluation. It would allow us to build the world-class manufacturing facility necessary for our long-term business needs while also allowing us to maintain and strengthen our presence in the area, including retaining the local workforce and contributing to the social and economic vibrancy of the community, which is very important to us as a company.”

He said previously: “We did an exhaustive analysis to find a site that would allow us to keep our operations in the community, rather than either moving jobs to another region or another country.

Proposed site of Cummins' factory as viewed from M62
Proposed site of Cummins' factory as viewed from M62

“This site, located just five miles from our existing plant, is the only site in the area that meets our business requirements and allows us to stay in the local area.

The land at Ainley Top is owned by Thornhill Estates which was recently granted outline planning permission to build 190 homes in Grimescar Valley.

It is thought the planning application will be submitted soon with work starting early next year if approval is given.

St Andrew’s Road will remain home to Cummins’ technical centre and will continue to employ about 600 people in areas such as research and development, after-market operations and business support.

Computer generated image of Cummins Turbo Technologies' proposed factory at Ainley Top as viewed from the M62
Computer generated image of Cummins Turbo Technologies' proposed factory at Ainley Top as viewed from the M62

Chancellor George Osborne recently announced that local authorities will be allowed to keep all the cash they raise from business rates instead of handing it to the Treasury and getting part of it back in the form of a grant.

The new system would mean it will be vital for Kirklees Council to attract more new businesses into the area as they would generate extra income via their rates. The more businesses they lose, the less income they will have to pay for council services.

More: Ainley Top villagers raise concerns over Cummins Turbo Technologies factory plan