BUSINESS is booming for a Swindon joinery which opened a new multi-million pound workshop on Friday morning.

Edmont, located in Stratton, will be able to boost trade by 50 per cent as a result of the expansion.

More than 100 extra jobs will be created by the new 9,000 square foot building with the overall expansion due for completion nxt year.

Edmont was founded by Chairman Les Clark and his father-in-law in 1971, operating as a two-man joinery business from premises in William Street in the centre of Swindon.

In 1980, Les moved the operation to the current site on land provided by, and next to, Arkell’s Brewery in Upper Stratton.

While joinery manufacture is still a major part of Edmont’s business, the company has seen significant expansion into national construction and fit-out contracting.

Projects range from multiple-retail fit-outs at Heathrow and other airports to high street shops and banks, from sensitive heritage restorations in the Cotswolds to constructing new homes, schools, pubs and leisure centres.

Speaking at the opening Les said: “Growing the business from two men in a shed to what we have today has been a long journey. But it would not have been possible without a highly skilled and dedicated team, with their commitment to quality and service.

“The calibre of our people, more than anything else, has got us to where we are today and will continue to shape our future. I have no doubt that we have some of the best tradesmen in England.”

Swindon brewery Arkell’s has played a big part in the company’s history, with the new workshop being built on the site of a farmhouse once belonging to the Arkell family.

Also present at the opening was Alex Arkell, head brewer, who said: “One thing that our family really learnt and which has been handed down the generations is the principle of developing strong partnerships, and that’s what we run our business on.

“Our partnership with Edmont started with Les and my grandfather Peter and father back in the 1970s. As we can see here, it’s based on the quality and passion for crafting quality products. I know my ancestors will be looking down with big smiles on their faces at what has been done here.”

The new workshop was officially opened by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson who said: “Whenever people talk about Edmont, they talk about quality and that’s the quality of the products, the service and, crucially, the staff.

“They are a family business built on these traditions, which is why they’ll be here for the future and will continue to grow. On behalf of Swindon, a big thank you for everything they’ve done for the local economy.”