A thriving Huddersfield firm has drawn a blank in a six-month search for property in which it can expand.
And Wellhouse Leisure is warning that jobs could go if it has to move outside Kirklees.
The Shepley-based company, a leading manufacturer of compact motorhomes, has identified land near the M1. But managing director David Elliott said: “We are 110 per cent Huddersfield and we really don’t want to move.”
He is also warning Kirklees Council that action is needed to open up more opportunities in the HD8 area.
An award-winning camper van converter, Wellhouse Leisure has been based in Kirklees for 13 years. It started with three employees and now has a workforce of 26 with a multi-million pound turnover.
Mr Elliott said: “The council knows about our growth spurt in the last couple of years. It also knows we are keen to buy a property but stay within a 3/4-mile radius of our premises in Shepley.
“But after six months, a search has turned up nothing.
“So we have looked outside Kirklees around J37/36 of the M1 where suitable land is more common.
“However, this will mean job losses for those not wanting to travel. We are proud to trade on the fact that campers are built in Huddersfield.”
The firm’s landlord has offered new units at the Sovereign crossroads which would mean the firm could stay on one site.
“I initially wanted to buy, but this might be a good alternative,” said Mr Elliott.
But Wellhouse are under pressure to increase supply to some manufacturers and if a solution is not found soon he fears opening the door to others.
“Everything hinges on the new units,” he said.
He said at least eight more jobs could be created in the year ahead if the firm stays as one site.
“We need to encourage more start-ups in this area,” said Mr Elliott. “In three to four miles of HD8 there is very little. We can’t encourage people if there is nowhere to go.
“Moving to new units will save 26 skilled manufacturing jobs from moving and add more.”
