CTruk held an informal launch event at its new Colne Estuary site on The Hythe, East Colchester yesterday.
The company will use the old Fieldgates site on Haven Road to build the larger vessels required for offshore wind farm projects further out to sea and will move some production activity over in January 2015. CTruk’s current facility in Brightlingsea lacks the space and waterside access needed to build and launch larger craft.
Company chairman Pete McIntosh also outlined CTruk’s ambitious plans to build an Advanced Composite Technology Centre, subject to capital grant support through Round 6 of Regional Growth Fund. The centre would incorporate a brand new production facility, offices and training centre, creating over 120 new private sector jobs, including 15 apprenticeships, over the next few years.
Mr McIntosh said, “CTruk intends to continue driving UK innovation in marine vessel design and to remain competitive in a changing market. This new centre will enable the company to diversify and grow sustainably, meeting our aspiration to be more than boat builders.”
He added, “ If we are able to transform this long-derelict site into a vibrant manufacturing hub, it will not only create new jobs at CTruk, but it will also have a ripple effect of indirect job creation in our supply chain and the local community as the workforce moves in and grows.”
During the event supporters of the proposed project, including representatives from Colchester and Tendring Councils, Essex Chambers of Commerce, the University of Essex, Colchester Institute and the Haven Gateway Partnership, expressed their hopes that the return of a marine based industry to this former port area will act as a stimulus for further new business and provide opportunities for existing companies to supply and support the CTruk development.