Plantool began trading in 1979, and has offices in Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, Nuneaton, Lutterworth, Kettering and Daventry.
The business re-located from a 6,000sqft centre in Millers Road in Warwick to an 8,000sqft premises in Collins Road on the Heathcote Industrial Estate in the town last year, and contacted Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub for support with its refurbishment.
Plantool MD Ben Jones, who led a management buy-out in 2013, was advised by the Growth Hub to apply to Warwickshire County Council’s Small Capital Grants Fund for assistance with the refurbishment. Its bid for £35,000 was successful and together with a further £85,000 invested by the business, the centre has been transformed to provide a better working environment for its 30 staff - including the construction of a new workshop and mezzanine.
“We had rented our previous site in Warwick since 1987 and we had long outgrown it," said Ben.
“This building became available so we bought it and the Growth Hub helped with the refurbishment along with Warwickshire County Council who came to visit us and gave us advice on what was possible.
“This has been a fantastic opportunity for us because the tool and equipment hire sector has changed over the years and we now need more space for larger vehicles and to provide a wider range of equipment.
“We have also taken on an apprentice because it is really important that we provide the right training for our business.”
Jim Vithanage, Account Manager at Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said: “Plantool’s new home in Warwick provides better flexibility for their customers and their team and is the perfect fit as they continue to expand.
“Their knowledge and expertise are renowned throughout the area in this sector and the Growth Hub is perfectly placed to support businesses such as Plantool to continue evolving and achieve their growth plans.”
Cllr Martin Watson, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, added: “The county is committed to supporting local enterprises who trade locally and employ local people and this is a perfect example of that.
“It’s fantastic that they have also taken on an apprentice so that young people are also getting an opportunity to get on the career ladder.”
