A Nottinghamshire metal railings and gates manufacturer has invested £800,000 in a move to new premises.

Alpha Rail has moved from Kirkby in Ashfield to a new purpose-built factory on The County Estate in Huthwaite, creating a single open-plan unit of over 16,000 sq ft and two-storey office space out of what was originally four separate units..

In total, they have spent over £800k to reconfigure the factory floor, accommodate metalworking machinery and create dedicated areas for each fabricating process.  They have also installed a modern staff canteen and locker areas.

Finance director Mark Sipson (second from right) said: “Our old premises had become very dilapidated and it was getting quite embarrassing when visitors came to see us. The new factory will streamline work flow and increase productivity and business efficiency.  We are delighted with our new environment which also benefits from the latest in environmentally efficient heating and lighting systems.”

Alpha Rail was founded in 1985 and now employs more than 40 staff and turns over £3m a year.  Keynote projects have included The Royal Parks in London, The London 2012 Olympic Games Athletes Village and the Kia Oval cricket ground.

Sales director Phil Ball (second from left) added: “The new factory now reflects the quality of the end product we manufacture.  The increase in production capacity and speed in which we can now put metalwork through each fabrication process will enable us to promote our expertise further.”

MD Steve Shirley (far left) and technical director Dean Briggs (far right) complete the director line-up.