SDC action will save 200 jobs at engineering firm Lister Petter (From Stroud News and Journal)

SDC action will save 200 jobs at engineering firm Lister Petter

1:54pm Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News By Chris Warne, SNJ reporter for Stonehouse and Chalford. Twitter @ChrisWarneSNJ

A MAJOR engineering company is set to sign an agreement with Stroud District Council to stay in the Five Valleys, safeguarding the future of around 200 jobs.

Council leaders and bosses at Dursley-based Lister Petter – a global provider of gas and diesel engines – say the company will remain in the district after SDC offered financial assistance to secure their continued presence.

Representatives of both parties are still working out the finer details of the agreement but the SNJ understands the council will offer Lister Petter a financial inducement of around £100,000 to stay put.

In return for the money, the company will agree to relocate within the district and invest £2 million in a new purpose-built plant and machinery at the Quedgeley West Business Park in Hardwicke.

"With close links to the M5 and a stone’s throw from our existing warehouse at Waterwells, it is the ideal location for us," said Bryan Draper, chief executive officer of Lister Petter Group.

"The move would allow us to retain our valued, skilled employees, create further job opportunities and continue Lister Petter’s historic association with Gloucestershire."

The Labour leader of Stroud District Council, Geoff Wheeler, said he hoped the agreement would be finalised ‘very shortly’.

"Maintaining and strengthening our local economy is one of our main priorities. Keeping Lister Petter in the district will retain 200 skilled jobs in the area, benefiting the business, its employees and the district," he said.