Castleford vehicle parts distributor safeguards 50 jobs with £100k grant

Imexpart Ltd, the Castleford-based vehicle parts distributor, has expanded its offices, warehouse and secured the futures of 50 local jobs due to support from Barclays and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Located in Castleford since 1986, Imex supply thousands of national truck and coach fleets with mechanical parts from their extensive stock of more than 8,000 items.

The new facilities provide an additional 12,000 sq ft office and warehouse space, including a state-of-art training centre which will be used for customer and supplier training events.

As a result of this investment, the number of Imex employees based in Castleford, currently 68, is expected to rise by 20% in the next two years.

Arthur Pinkney, Imex owner and founder, said: “This is the company’s most ambitious expansion programme and secures our future in Castleford. We can now increase our product range and open up new markets.”

The company secured a £100k grant from the LEP to ensure the expansion project could progress as planned. Arthur Pinkney welcomed the “no-nonsense approach of the LEP” and the support given to make the application.

It took only four weeks for Imexpart to find out its application had been successful.

Roger Marsh OBE, chair of the LEP, commented: “It is crucial we support our established businesses so they can secure their future in the City Region. Imex are a great example of a company, who with LEP help, can now reach their full potential, explore new markets and deliver further employment opportunities for local people. “

Arthur Pinkney added: “Barclays has been supportive from the inception of the project, liaising with the contractors throughout the build programme.”

This enabled Imex to focus on the day-to-day running of the business and maximise the impact of its new facility.

Jon Lowe, Barclays relationship director, concluded: “It’s been great working with Arthur and his team helping to ensure the new headquarters remain in Yorkshire. The funding we have provided will secure growth for the future of the business and contribute to the economy of the Yorkshire region as it takes on more staff and develops for the future.”

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