Flooring specialist receives government help to open Luton plant.

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(Free-Press-Release.com) November 29, 2009 -- The Versatile Flooring Company, suppliers of the EcoTile range of 100% recycled, interlocking floor tiles, is investing its way out of the recession by opening a brand new, state of the art, fully robotic manufacturing facility in Luton, Bedfordshire. The government funding scheme Grants for Business Investment, The Carbon Trust and committed suppliers, have been crucial in making the new plant possible in an area severely hit by this recession.

The Versatile Flooring Company makes a range of 100% recycled, interlocking floor tiles called EcoTile. The company imported its entire product range from Europe and China until December 2008, when it began manufacturing floor tiles in the UK using sub-contractors. This decision was driven in part by the huge currency fluctuations which affected profitability.

The next logical step was to bring production completely in-house, within the UK. By mid-November 2009, tooling for the entire range of EcoTiles will be complete. The company believes that in-house production at its new Luton plant will better service growing domestic demand, including the wholesale market, and aid the development of export markets.

James Gedye, Managing Director of The Versatile Flooring Company commented, "We have seen growth in excess of 15% per year over the last three years and this year will be the same if not better, which is a remarkable performance in the current market conditions. Our two biggest competitors have either ceased trading or gone into administration in the last 9 months, which has created a huge opportunity for us."

With backing from the Department for Business, Enterprises and Regulatory Reform, the Grant for Business Investment scheme (GBI) offers grant support for sustainable business investment and job creation projects in disadvantaged areas in England. This is administered at a local level by the Regional Development Agencies, accessed through Business Link. The grant is pending but The Versatile Flooring Company expects to receive confirmation in November.

James Gedye explains, "We are able to finance the vast majority of the project in-house, but the grant has made all the difference and allow us to drive the project forward far faster, creating employment and export opportunities. GBI funding means that the project can start sooner rather than later."

The Carbon Trust is also providing funding in the form of an interest-free loan. Loans are available to businesses for the upgrade of equipment to save energy and improve efficiency. The Carbon Trust is a government-backed scheme that helps organisations reduce carbon emissions and develop commercial low-carbon technologies. Further grants fo