News: Cepac to press on with £53m Rotherham expansion

Cepac, one of the UK’s leading innovators of performance packaging, has announced a £53m investment that will expand its key operations in Rotherham

The "Rotherham 2" project will see investment in infrastructure, equipment and new jobs.

Founded in 1999, Cepac has established one of the largest and most technologically advanced corrugated packaging plants in the world at Manvers. Part of the HSA group, it also has operations in Darlington, Doncaster and Rawcliffe.

Rothbiz reported in 2023 that the firm had acquired an 11 acre parcel of land for expansion alongside its head office at Brookfields Park. In the same year, planning permission was secured regarding the method of demolishing a vacant contact centre nearby. Capita House, a 135,938 sq ft building was set to be demolished and replaced by a 204,000 sq ft high grade warehouse / logistics unit.

Cepac is about to start the first phase of the project that will see the company grow its range and output of corrugated cardboard packaging solutions.

The investment will see the building of new factory space with state-of-the-art new equipment, further growing its reputation as one of the most innovative corrugated packaging solutions providers in the UK.

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Steve Moss, Group Managing Director at Cepac, said: “To expand our range for our growing customer base, we are investing in a series of innovative technologies for the project.

"In phase one, we are allocating roughly half of the total investment sum to modifying the existing layout and capability of the existing site. We are completing the phased upgrade of the existing corrugated board making machine and then adding several new, high-speed converting lines and increasing our despatching & warehousing capability in-line with this current, and future investments. The new machines and despatching area will be accommodated by the addition of around 60,000 sq ft of factory space at the existing plant. The new despatch and warehousing area will ultimately link the existing and new factories.”

The project will see a factory extension for the existing site immediately, creating new factory space in 2026 and 2027.

New machinery will be able to produce up to 240 million sqm of board per annum with several new converting lines for printing, die-cutting and folding & gluing of boxes.

The first phase also includes the recruitment of new operators for the expanded production capabilities.

Further investment in renewable energy is also planned. In 2022 the comapny invested £1.45m in solar panels that provides around 25% of the site's electricity requirements focusing on domestic hot water.

Moss added: “We are excited to get this multi-phase project underway. Off the back of several years of growth within the company and picking up significant accolades at industry award events, this next phase of investment will help maintain our growth trajectory and support our position as one of the country’s most innovative producers of next generation print and packaging for customers across the UK. It will also sustain and create vital employment in the region, which is great for the local economy and local communities.”

Cepac website

Images: Cepac / Google Maps

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News: Contractors join charity effort for SEND school transformation in Rotherham

A major pro bono project has begun to redevelop Hilltop School in Rotherham – a special educational needs school supporting 180 children with complex needs.

The £3m transformation, delivered in partnership with Yorkshire Children’s Charity through its Great Yorkshire Build initiative, will replace temporary, cramped buildings with modern, purpose-built facilities designed for pupils’ complex learning and accessibility needs.

Works will include a full site reconfiguration to improve access, three new classrooms, a rebound therapy room, and the creation of modern, inspiring learning environments.

The scheme brings together more than 50 Yorkshire-based construction firms, working collaboratively to deliver the project with a DIY SOS-style effort that sets a benchmark for social value within the construction sector.

Henry Boot is the main contractor with services delivered free of charge, including preliminaries and site management. The Sheffield firm has also received huge support and discounts from its supply chain, resulting in costs to the charity being a fraction of what they would be on the open market.

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It also sets a national example of how the construction sector can unite to address critical gaps in education infrastructure.

Yorkshire Children's Charity believes every child deserves the best possible education, and that well-designed, high-quality school facilities are essential to achieving this.

Charlotte Farrington, CEO of Yorkshire Children’s Charity, said: “Every child deserves access to education by right, not a privilege fought for by desperate families. Thanks to the incredible Yorkshire construction community, this will soon be a reality for children at Hilltop.”

Kirstie, a parent at Hilltop School, added: “It’s going to benefit so many kids, they’re asking for the most basic things…daylight, windows, running water. Children shouldn’t have to ask for it, it’s their human right to have these things.”

This work would not be possible with the dedication and care of the inspirational contractors and subcontractors who have committed to this project: GMI; Bowmer and Kirkland, SES Engineering Services, Severfield, Henry Boot Construction, Pierre Angulaire, Cartwright Pickard, McLaren Property, Stainforth, Rex Procter and Partners, BAM Construction, Richard Boothroyd & Associates, Triton Construction.

The Great Yorkshire Build initiative is focused on transforming the outdated and inadequate buildings often found in SLD, SILC (Specialist Inclusive Learning Centres) and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) schools across the region.

Yorkshire Children’s Charity website

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News: £83m Rotherham regeneration projects can be pushed back to 2028

Multimillion pound regeneration projects in Rotherham will have more time to be completed after the Government granted more flexibilities over how the money can be spent.

Partners in the borough will also find it easier to cancel projects, move funding to different, or even new, projects, and change governance arrangements.

Rothbiz reported in 2023 that the previous government had entered Rotherham into the Simplification Pathfinder Pilot, a simplified approach to funding delivery, after the National Audit Office (NAO) warned of delays around spending Levelling Up funding pots.

Now the new government has consolidated a number of funding schemes in a bid to accelerate project delivery and improve value for money.

In 2021, Rotherham secured £31.6m from the Town Deal to revamp areas of Rotherham town centre as well as Templeborough, Eastwood and the site of the proposed mainline station at Parkgate. In the same year, £12.6m was secured from the Future High Streets Fund.

From the Levelling Up Fund, Rotherham was successful in securing £19.5m for the town centre and £19.9m for a number of connected projects around the leisure industry. £20m was then secured in 2023 for a new mixed-use development in Wath town centre, as well as delivering significant improvements to Dinnington High Street and market.

The pots have now been combined into the "Local Regeneration Fund" with single, annual allocations based on streamlined monitoring and reduced reporting frequency.

One of the main flexibilities is that all funding is now due to be spent by the end of March 2028.

The Future High Streets Fund was initially due to be spent by March 2024, with other funds then due to be spent by March 2026. In Rotherham this includes projects that have suffered delays due to rising costs, difficulties securing contractors and legal issues.

The revamp of Rotherham Market, which is using money from the Future High Street Fund, was originally scheduled to finish in December 2025 but this was pushed back to 2027 with total costs now at £40.89m. At Riverside Gardens, another Future High Street Fund project, a contractor has recently started work. Changes have also been made to projects at Rother Valley and Thrybergh Country parks but construction work is underway.

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With the council unable to acquire the properties required to deliver the Dinnington scheme, a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was issued earlier this year which meant that the spending on the project was extended from 2026 to 2028.

Many schemes have completed in the borough backed by the funds. This includes Skills Street at Gulliver's Valley, work to transform heritage buildings at Maltby Grammar School, and the acquisition and demolition of burnt out buidings in the town centre.

Another flexibility is that the government no longer requires local authorities to seek approval for any changes. As long as it still meets conditions around value for money and contributes to one or more Government Missions, changes could include amendments to the scope of existing projects, the cancellation of existing projects and the creation of new projects.

An update from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) said: "After listening to feedback from local government, on the need for less bureaucratic micromanagement and more local control, we have now announced the consolidation of MHCLG’s Levelling Up Fund, Town Deals and Simplification Pathfinders Pilot Fund together into a single funding pot. This reform will increase flexibility to adapt schemes to local needs and focus on delivery.

"We are giving local authorities greater ability to make decisions locally about moving funding between projects in their funding portfolio. Local authorities should consider how they can use this increased flexibility to invest more effectively, whether that is pooling funding in the same area, redeploying funding to different priorities or making changes to existing projects to expedite delivery and maximise their impact.  

"It is our expectation that projects already underway will be completed, for the benefit of local residents. In the small number of cases where projects are no longer viable, we expect that councils will use the funding available to invest in the area that originally stood to benefit, so local residents can feel the improvements to their everyday lives that they have been promised. We strongly encourage local authorities to consult with key stakeholders, including MPs in their local areas on any proposed changes and in particular changes to the location or projects and/or intended beneficiaries."

Rothbiz has previously reported on changes made in Rotherham to funded schemes. Aspects have been removed from projects, such as a proposed new bridge over the River Don to the football stadium and the live music venue project has looked at a number of heritage properties in the town centre. A new project to introduce "Health on the High Street" in a bid to improve access to health services and increase footfall in the town centre was added to the mix earlier this year.

Not included in the funds is the Plan for Neighbourhoods that will guide a £20m investment into the town over the next ten years.

Images: RMBC / AHR / Maltby Learning Trust

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News: Productive Machines secures funding to help shore up UK digital supply chains

Productive Machines, a Rotherham-based startup that is set to transform UK digital supply chains has secured £510,000 from Digital Catapult.

Based within the Advanced Manufacturing Park's (AMP's) Technology Centre, Productive Machines uses a software simulation process called digital twinning to accelerate milling process design, reduce cycle time, eliminate quality problems and maximize productivity. Creating virtual replicas helps companies machine parts right the first time.

Digital Catapult helps businesses grow by applying deep tech, showing them what is possible, positive and productive with advanced technology.

The investment will enable the startup to scale the customer base for its SenseNC products, reshore manufacturing by increasing the competitiveness of local manufacturers, and drive greater resilience of UK digital supply chains.

Productive Machines has developed the world’s first autonomous milling optimisation software, SenseNC. The software streamlines machining operations by simulating and optimising various machine settings, helping manufacturers to optimise performance before operations are sent to CNC (computer numeric control) machine tools to precisely cut, shape, and finish materials. This computer-controlled machining method reduces the need for time-consuming trial-and-error processes, where production approaches are tested and refined. SenseNC minimises waste, lowers costs, and delivers significant gains in sustainability and productivity.

The Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution has already been successfully trialled by manufacturers in the aerospace sector, including AML, a leader in the precision machining of metallic components, resulting in optimised and decarbonised manufacturing processes. The company managed to reshore production of two different aerospace parts back to the UK from overseas suppliers. Similar success has been achieved with partners such as FICEP UK, a leading supplier of structural steel and plate fabrication machine tools, and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) in Belfast.

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Following Digital Catapult’s investment, Productive Machines is looking to respond to expressions of interest from prospective partners and customers in Europe and the US.

Digital Catapult’s investment takes the form of a convertible loan note and is made available by Innovate UK to allow Catapults to invest directly in the businesses they are supporting.

Erdem Ozturk, CEO and Co-founder of Productive Machines, said: " Digital Catapult’s investment will enable us to grow our customer base in the UK and Europe as well as expand to international markets where there is growing demand and interest in our solution. The UK has long been a leader in manufacturing, but with increasing global competition, solutions like our SenseNC software will be critical to sharpening the country’s competitive edge and reshoring processes back into the UK. Our next step will be to invest further into direct sales and partnerships, where we hope to demonstrate the value of investing into deep tech, and how collaboration and partnership is key to long-term startup and sectoral success."

Susan Bowen, CEO, Digital Catapult, added: "With a solution that can cut costs, decarbonise operations and increase productivity for manufacturers across the country, Productive Machines’ solution could transform the UK’s digital supply chains. With this investment, we are looking forward to working closely with Productive Machines to unlock opportunities to reshore UK manufacturing and boost industrial competitiveness."

In 2023, Productive Machines, a spinout from the The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), raised £2.2m in Seed funding.

Local MP Sarah Champion, recently visited the firm. She said: "It’s inspiring to see the incredible work being done by Productive Machines right here in Rotherham. Their cutting-edge technology is not only boosting productivity and sustainability for UK manufacturers but also making reshoring a viable option. This is exactly the kind of innovation we need to strengthen British industry and create high-value jobs locally."

Productive Machines website
Digital Catapult website

Images: Productive Machines

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News: Second consultation for Whitestone solar plans

Developers behind the Whitestone Solar Farm are about to begin a second round of consultation after plans were updated.

Rothbiz reported in April on early stage plans being updated for a solar farm generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW and connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Developers say that they have made "significant changes to the project design" to respond to the feedback received.

Updated documents explain that one fourth of the land (279 hectares / 689 acres) has been removed across the whole site that was included for solar development to create buffers around homes, villages and public rights of way near the project boundary. This has resulted in the removal or reduction of panels around the most sensitive community areas, particularly around residential dwellings.

Due to its size, Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it needs a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, rather than made locally by Rotherham and Doncaster Councils.

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A 450-page scoping report has been examined by the planning inspectorate which provided environmental information outlining the scope and methodology of the technical studies being conducted. It precedes a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The report confirms that the proposed development is being brought forward by Whitestone Net Zero Limited, owned by Net Zero One Limited but it is intended to be constructed, managed and operated by Green Nation.

A leaflet from the developers states: "The first round of consultation ran for 11 weeks, and included public events, meetings with parish councils and other stakeholders, and individual discussions with local residents. We received 940 pieces of written feedback, which we have reviewed and considered, to inform the updated design shown at this round of consultation.

"We are now holding our second consultation on the updated masterplan and draft Environmental Statement, which will help inform the proposals we submit in our DCO application next spring."

The northern site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

The consultation will be carried out from September 16 to October 28 2025. A number of public information events have been scheduled for October.

Whitestone website

Images: Green Nation / Google Maps

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