A Wigan company is creating dozens of jobs with an expansion plan that pays tribute to its late founder
A Wigan firm is paying tribute to the man who started it all as it launches a job-spinning expansion plan.
MGF, a provider of excavation, structural support and lifting solutions, based on Lockett Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, today (May 27) announced a strategic investment in a new manufacturing facility that bosses say will “significantly enhance its operational capabilities and reinforce its long-term commitment to innovation, sustainability and local employment.”
The firm has taken over 48,977ft sq premises from recent neighbour Stakehills who were manufacturing firm of steel fabrications but went into administration.
Initially, there will be an increase of 25 fabricators/welders but at full capacity MGF will see an increase of 35 to 40 staff, alongside workshop labourers and forklift drivers.
The site is scheduled to become fully operational by early 2027, the new facility will deliver around a 300 per cent increase in manufacturing capacity, marking a major milestone in MGF’s continued growth and evolution.
The facility will be located just around the corner from MGF’s head office, bosses saying it demonstrates a clear commitment to investing locally and strengthening the area where the business has been operating for the last 23 years.
The new site will be named O’Hara House, in memory of Michael O’Hara, who founded the business and whose values of betterment, quality, innovation and investment in people continue to shape MGF today.
The naming of the facility reflects both the company’s history and its ambition for the future.
The company saus that this strategic investment will enable MGF to make further innovative investments in manufacturing, including the adoption of modern manufacturing techniques, improved efficiencies and enhanced quality control processes.
Sustainability is also said to be a key consideration in the development plans, with the new facility designed to deliver long-term environmental benefits through smarter use of space and energy-efficient operations.
In addition to increasing output, the expansion will create a significant increase in the workforce, supporting new jobs across manufacturing and operational roles.
MGF says it remains committed to investing in local people, providing long-term career opportunities, training and development, and contributing positively to the regional economy.
The investment represents more than just additional space, it reflects MGF’s ambition to future proof its operations and continue delivering the high standards of service and product availability.
Increased capacity will allow MGF to support growing demand, strengthen support for its global customer base, and maintain flexibility, reliability and speed of delivery without compromising on quality.
Marc Lord, operations director at MGF, said: “This investment is a hugely important step for MGF.
"Increasing our manufacturing capacity by this scale allows us to invest in innovation, sustainability and, most importantly, our people. Keeping the new facility close to our head office shows our commitment to the local area and to the values the business was founded on.
"Naming it O’Hara House is a fitting tribute to Michael O’Hara and the legacy he created.”
The company said that as MGF continues to grow, the development of O’Hara House underlines its long-term confidence in UK manufacturing and its dedication to supporting customers, employees and the communities in which it operates.