Glasgow firm outlines ‘ambitious’ expansion plans

Rearo’s Graham Mercer and AGM Group’s Andrew Meek

GLASGOW-based manufacturer Rearo Laminates has announced work has started to extend its HQ to accommodate ‘ambitious’ growth plans.

The company, which makes bathroom and kitchen wall panels, worktops and flooring, revealed the £200,000 project will add some 2,000 sq ft and form a link area between Rearo’s two existing factories.

The new building is the first phase of a £520,000 capital improvement programme, which will also include new and upgraded machinery, such as a new bonding and panel processing line. The investment is being partly funded by a Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) grant of £100,000.

Construction will be carried out by Govan-based firm, AGM Group Ltd.  Work is expected to be complete by spring this year.

Graham Mercer, managing director of Rearo said, “The expanded factory will provide vital space to support our ambitious growth plans, including a new sampling and marketing suite, and we expect the overall investment to create 10 new jobs at the company. We are targeting sales of more than £5 million of our new Selkie waterproof panel system in the first year, so we need to hold a large amount of stock to be able to deliver to customers quickly.

“We have already invested around £250,000 in transforming production processes and working practices, developing new products and embedding a commitment to customer service across the company.  This gives us a solid platform from which to target larger construction projects in the hotel, restaurant and social housing sectors.”

Rearo’s turnover is now reaching £10 million and the business recently concluded a deal with TV home makeover specialist, John Amabile, to be a brand ambassador for its Selkie system.

Andrew Meek, managing director of AGM Group said, “Rearo has supplied its products to many AGM projects and it is now our turn to return the favour. With this project we are linking Rearo’s operations, enhancing our supply chain, building better relations and improving the future of both businesses.”