Panaloc to find room for 70 jobs in move

Panaloc Worldwide Manufacturing has moved from Manchester to a 100,000 sq ft manufacturing base in Hull's Kingston International Business Park, with help from Hull Forward, the economic development company.

Regional grant funding of up to 258,000 has been secured to enable Panaloc to develop its business. As a result, up to 70 full and part-time jobs in research, design, manufacturing and assembly are expected to be created.

Panaloc plans to build "a significant business" in the growing sectors of affordable hotels and housing, student accommodation, detention cells and panels for the retail sector.

John Watkins, the company's director and general manager, said: "The prime reason for moving to Hull was the proximity to the docks and the good transport links. The skills base is used to dealing with off-site manufacturing that has grown out of the caravan industry. The local population has the experience and association with that type of industry."

John Holmes, chief executive of Hull Forward, said: "Panaloc has a forward thinking management team and is the type of company that we will continue to try to attract to Hull."

Panaloc expects to start production this year.