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Aug 2013
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Engineering firm’s vision Vision Engineering currently employs 120 people from its premises in Send and Woking but this could increase if plans to create a global headquarters and manufacturing centre are approved ... and that can only be a good thing, says Surrey Chambers of Commerce NEW jobs could arrive in Send if an engineering firm’s bid for a new headquarters is given the goahead. As many as 30 jobs could be created if Vision Engineering’s plans for the new facility at its Send Road base are approved by Guildford Borough Council, after they were submitted in July. The new building, which will include a housing development and manufacturing facility, would replace the firm's current Send headquarters. Vision currently employs 120 staff at its Send and Woking facilities and hopes to add to that number if proposals are granted. Mark Curtis, managing director of Vision, reassured those who might have any worries about the expansion. He said: “As long-term residents of Send, we get on very well with our neighbours, but are sensitive to their concerns about that part of our factory plans which is in the Green Belt. We have, together with our architects, tried to minimise the impact on the surrounding area. We are confident that we can get that balance right and provide more well paid, long-term jobs for local people. “The existing factory was built in the 1960’s and 70’s. “We are trying to create a modern global headquarters and manufacturing facility which will enable us to continue to flourish in
Top, Vision Engineering explains its plans and, above, an artist’s impression.
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Send, providing well paid, skilled and stable jobs for the next 50 years. In order to be competitive with our Japanese, American, Chinese and German competition, we need to have a modern facility so that we can use the latest and most efficient manufacturing principles.” Vision held a recent open day to discuss its proposals with around 100 Send residents, as well as representatives from local
‘We are trying to create a modern global headquarters and manufacturing facility that will enable us to continue to flourish in Send.’ councils. The firm said the open day was well attended and Mr Curtis believes the event created a good forum. “It was great to see so many Send residents engaging in the planning application process,” he added. “We got some really good feedback and ideas, which we will now incorporate into our plans. “We have listened very carefully to the good advice we received from county, borough and parish councillors. “We have incorporated the latest green building processes, existing mature tree screening and
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affordable housing into our plans.” A spokesman for Vision explained the firm sees it as important to recruit local people, and pointed out that many current employees live in Send and the surrounding area. The spokesman said the proposals would be ‘very beneficial’ for the area. Vision has been based in Send and Woking since 1958 and supplies quality control equipment to global manufacturers of mobile phones, medical devices and performance engines. As much as 89% of product manufactured onsite is exported to both developed and developing economies. Louise Punter, chief executive of Surrey Chambers of Commerce, underlined the importance of the firm’s role in the wider Surrey economy. “I think this is exciting,” she said. “It is the sort of expansion we should be supporting and encouraging in the area. For us, as the Chambers and our vision for the economy going forward, we are totally in support of the planning application. We have a need to create jobs, there is still unemployment. Creating 30 new jobs has got to be positive. It is likely to have a tremendously positive effect on the local area.” Guildford Borough Council will now consider the application, which will be subject to a public consultation.
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