Expansion at a Warwick construction firm could create 150 jobs in the area - despite the 'credit crunch'.
Rok, which owns SOL Construction, is hoping to double in size by expanding its maintenance and building divisions,
It is also planning to work with colleges in the area to train apprentices at its Coventry Road base.
Keith Watson is managing di
rector of the firm’s Central England division.
He predicts a downturn in the economy will mean more people settle for repairing or extending their homes rather than moving.
He said: “It sounds perverse, but we find that major construction takes a nosedive but repair and maintenance go on the increase as people have to make do with their existing buildings.”
The firm will not only be taking on workers, but also hopes to be able to train people from across the Midlands at its Warwick depot.
Mr Watson explained Rok wanted its technicians to be qualified in several skills, as well as being able to deal with the public.
He said: “Instead of sending a joiner and painter and a plasterer we want someone who can do all three in one go.
“We need our own training centre and the Coventry and Warwickshire area would be ideal for that.”
The firm hopes to convert its existing Warwick offices for this and will know if this is possible in August.
Mr Watson said he would “ideally” want the centre to open between September and the new year and hoped to start taking on new staff shortly.
The company is also hoping to capitalise on demand for social housing.
Mr Watson added that Rok is also hoping to take on workers for its social housing division, although recruitment was unlikely to begin before early 2009.
Mr Watson told the Courier: “At the moment we have about 150 people working for us in the Warwick postcode.
“By the end of 2009 we want to be almost twice the size we are.”
The full article contains 335 words and appears in Warwick Courier newspaper.
