Historic Somerset aggregates and asphalt firm Wainwright is to extend its reach across the South West with the construction of an £8.5m state-of-the-art plant.
The asphalt production facility on a 4.5-acre site at Avonmouth, near Bristol, is set to launch early next year.
Funded through finance from Barclays, it will give Wainwright, based at Stoke St Michael, near Shepton Mallet, the capability to fulfil its growing order book and meet future business opportunities as the economy continues to recover.
Founded in 1891, Wainwright supplies high-quality stone, premium aggregates, asphalt and formation material from its Moons Hill Quarry on the Mendips. 
Wainwright chief executive Peter Barkwill said: “The new facility is a bold move for our company and we believe now is the right time to invest and build on our reputation for quality, service and efficiency. The site is ideally located within one mile of the South West motorway network giving us access to a range of additional markets throughout the region.”
The company employs nearly 180 people – a figure set to increase in the near future and is expected to turn over more than £35m in the current financial year.
Barclays relationship director, corporate banking, John Squier said: “This is an exciting time for Wainwright, which continues to demonstrate substantial growth in revenues from its portfolio of products. With an impressive client base, strong management team, the company is firmly on track to achieve its future growth objectives.”
