Success is in the can as area enjoys a revival

The film, which was based on a script written by local author Andrea Dunbar, painted an unflattering picture of Buttershaw life. Some locals believed it was a flawed portrait.

Buttershaw is undergoing an economic revival as a result of collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Dozens of jobs could soon be created on the estate. It is home to one of the most advanced can manufacturing factories in Europe, after the German-based Weidenhammer Packaging Group provided a boost for Bradford’s economy.

Weidenhammer UK, which can trace its Bradford roots back to 1851, had considered leaving the city because it needed a bigger site.

Bradford Council’s Invest in Bradford team worked closely with managers at the composite can manufacturer, whose customers include United Biscuits, Cadbury and Nestle, to keep the firm in the district.

A new era began for Weidenhammer UK’s 60 staff when the first production line moved to the site in Royds Hall Lane, Buttershaw, in late August.

The 26,000 sq metre site is close to the company’s existing plant in Lidget Green, Bradford.

It was officially opened at a ceremony which attracted Joachim Baron von Marschall, the head of the economic and financial affairs department of the German embassy.

The firm – whose parent group is based in Hockenheim, Germany – is now aiming to raise annual UK turnover from £8m to £15m by 2015, which could lead to the creation of a further 20 to 30 jobs.

Paul Barber, the general manager of Weidenhammer UK, said: “The new facility provides plenty of room for growth. Along with a well-connected infrastructure, it meets the highest production standards. We are all very happy with the new building and the local working conditions.”

Bradford South Labour MP Gerry Sutcliffe said: “I’m delighted that Wiedenhammer have committed their future to Bradford. This new factory and the investment in the latest machinery and plant demonstrates the faith that they have in their staff here in Bradford. It’s also a shot in the arm for Buttershaw and surrounding area. It is already an important employer and the signs are that they intend to expand their workforce in the coming years.”

Coun David Green, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration and economy, said: “The council provided very close support for Weidenhammer to find the right site in Bradford so it is great to see the building completed and the company remaining in the district. As well as helping to safeguard dozens of jobs we hope Weidenhammer will continue to grow as a business and boost the local economy further in the future.”

Stephen Wright, the president of Bradford Chamber, said: “The factory opening is another good news story for Bradford. If more local firms can benefit from the supply chain network, and local people have secured some of the job vacancies, then this is an even better outcome for Bradford.

“It also shows that Bradford is still home to manufacturing – something that we see as still an important contributor to economic growth and develop- ment.”

Although trading conditions are hard for many firms, Bradford’s entrepreneurs are still finding business, Mr Wright said.

He added: “It’s still a case of three steps forward and two steps back for many, and there’s still a lot of caution about future plans, but we continue to receive reports of high levels of business being done, new contacts being made and new markets turning up.”

However, Mr Wright said the public sector spending cuts and problems in the eurozone were adding to the uncertainty.

He added: “Many firms are reluctant to set out more expansive investment and growth plans until that changes.

“Budgets and margins are so tight at present.”

Roots formed in the city

Weidenhammer Packaging Group first became involved in Bradford through a joint venture with US-based Chesapeake, which had bought the former Field Group packaging business. The Field Group business dated from 1851. In late 2008, the venture became completely owned by Weidenhammer.

Across Europe, Weidenhammer Packaging Group has 12 production sites, employing nearly 1,000 staff. It has annual sales of more than £180m. Ralf Weidenhammer, the company’s chief executive, said: “The Bradford site has very quickly evolved into an important segment within our group. We see further growth potential on the horizon in the UK.”