A growing Ayrshire giftware business with prestigious clients such as Buckingham Palace and The Houses of Parliament is set to expand into a former primary school, St Cuthbert’s Primary School in Maybole. The family-owned Crawford Henderson Ltd, currently located in Maybole’s Welltrees Street, received approval from council planners for their relocation and expansion plan to move into the vacant primary school.
The firm submitted a planning application to South Ayrshire Council requesting permission for a change of use and alterations at the former school, which has since been relocated to the Maybole Community Campus. The company expressed their intention to move their operations to the former school building due to ambitious growth plans that require more production space.
With the aim of increasing their employees from 13 to 20 in the next five years, the business highlighted its contribution to the local economy by creating new jobs within the Maybole community. They also anticipate sales growth from £1.1 million to £2.5 million in the same period, which will further benefit the local economy.
In addition to enhancing production capacity, the firm plans to upgrade the property to showcase their production techniques and host visits from their high-profile clients. The former school building offers suitable space for their production process, with plans to install a goods lift, staircase, and thermal insulation.
The company has a distinguished list of ‘blue-chip customers’ including Diageo, Royal Collection Enterprises, Historic Environment Scotland, and more. Council papers approving the plans highlighted the positive reuse of the existing building and the economic benefits the expansion will bring to the local area.
The move signifies a significant development for the Ayrshire business and the local community, paving the way for growth, job creation, and economic opportunities in the region. The successful acquisition of the former school building demonstrates the firm’s commitment to scaling their operations and continuing to serve their prestigious clients with high-quality giftware products.
In conclusion, the Ayrshire giftware business’s expansion into the former primary school not only marks a positive step for their growth and production capacity but also signifies a promising outlook for the local economy and job market in Maybole. This strategic move showcases the company’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and community development, setting a strong foundation for their future success in the giftware industry.