When it comes to roofing, cladding, and the all things that make a building as safe and function as well as it possibly can, you want to make sure it’s in good hands. Siniat, owned by Etex Building Performance, are a plasterboard manufacturer based in Bristol, and are sponsors at this year’s Bristol Live Business Awards 2022. The awards take place on Thursday, November 24, 2022 at Ashton Gate Stadium.
Sponsoring the High Growth and Ambition Category, Etex is proud to work alongside some of the UK’s leading construction brands, and is now set to generate more than 50 local jobs following a significant investment in Siniat's new plasterboard manufacturing facility in Easton-in-Gordano.
The 57,000m2 plant is expected to double Bristol-based production capacity, which already employs 506 people in the region, and will create job opportunities across a range of departments, including manufacturing, operations, and production.
Investing in the local community
Championing the high growth and ambition side of business, Etex believe that the most important part is looking after its people. That’s why the new plasterboard facility will not only create 50 employment opportunities for local people, but will offer a £10,000 improvement to pedestrian and cycle access to the site for employees.
The new facility is a significant investment by Etex and demonstrates its commitment to supporting the future of British manufacturing, as well as its eagerness to increase reliability of supply and meet the growing demand for plasterboard across the UK.
Speaking about what the new plasterboard expansion means for the wider sector, and how it will benefit Bristol, Neil Shaw, country manager at Etex’s Building Performance Division said: “Investment in our Bristol facility goes hand-in-hand with investment in our people. Our teammates are key to helping us meet the growing demand for plasterboard across the UK and in ensuring the new facility is a success.
“Etex take investment in local people and the local community seriously. A recent employee engagement survey found more than nine in ten (93 per cent) respondents feel that Etex cares about its people, with over four in five (83 per cent) stating that they are able to balance their work and personal responsibilities.
“We are known for partnering with our local communities and providing opportunities. As we expand our Bristol facility, we’re eager to work with local people and give them the opportunity to grow with us.”
In addition to increasing supply and local manufacturing capacity for plasterboard products, the new facility will continue to contribute to the local economy by encouraging more young people to enter the manufacturing sector through its tailor-made Operator Apprenticeship scheme, designed to meet future skills requirements.
Partnering with several local colleges, Etex offer apprenticeship programmes throughout the business. From engineering to other sides of the business, an apprenticeship with Etex could be the ideal way to kick start a career in an ever-growing industry.
Neil Shaw also spoke about the opportunities apprenticeships bring to the community, he said: “Community outreach helps to create awareness of Etex’s brand. One way we do this is through our apprenticeships, where we provide young people with a well-rounded understanding of the sector.
“For example, our recent apprentice completed placements in each department to get a full understanding of the business and now goes into schools to talk about his experience and promote a career in both construction and at Etex specifically.”
A core focus on sustainability
Etex believe that as well as having a responsibility to its people, it also has a responsibility to the local environment. Investing in the UK by building the new plasterboard expansion, means the company can help grow the UK economy, whilst manufacturing locally means a reduced carbon footprint.
The extra space will support post-consumer gypsum recycling, helping Etex’s Siniat brand in achieving 30 per cent post-consumer gypsum in its plasterboard by 2025.
Investment has been made to implement a rainwater harvesting system which will save the plant up to 1.7 million litres of water annually. Installation points for solar PV and electric car charging stations will also be fitted, with the end-ambition of a fully electric forklift fleet.
The focus on sustainability follows the establishment of Etex’s Green Team of 30 specialists from around the world, who came together to produce Etex’s first CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) report.
To find out more about The Bristol Live Business Awards 2022, and to understand why Etex are the category sponsor for High Growth and Ambition, visit the Etex Building Performance website here.
