The changing face of Caponacre Industrial Estate in Cumnock has been a source of joy to the many businesses who are based there.
From creating a huge number of jobs to playing host to some hidden gems, the estate has brought many benefits to the town, and the savvy business folk who operate there are eager to see the trend continue.
One of them is Prams with Pizazz, an award-winning family business which has grown in size due to owner Carolyn Frew’s hard work and dedication in restoring traditional coach built prams.
Ably assisted by her business partner, Scott, who maintains high standards in their body shop repainting these classic carriage prams and personally delivers them across the UK, the company has supplied to clients including the hugely successful series Outlander.
Scott said: “I have seen a difference in the estate since we moved in in February. At first, a lot of units were empty, now Emergency One has opened up as well as Tanner’s Carpets and South West Drainage. It’s good to see it filling up.
“Caponacre ticked all the boxes. We’ve delivered prams to Holland, Belgium, Australia and more. We want to keep the business growing and keep everything local.”
The couple’s daughter, Holly, has now joined the business and they will soon be looking for new staff members to assist in the paint shop.
The Wee House Company/Connect Modular is also enjoying great success. Jennifer Higgins, CEO, comes from a family with an established background of working integrally with the Ayrshire community, and regenerating a town like Cumnock has been a key part of their business strategy.
A spokesperson said: “In early 2020, the office team, previously in a disparate location, moved to Caponacre Industrial Estate and now operate from a new office facility within the factory site, with plans in place for further expansion early in the new year.
“Permanent employees at Caponacre now totals 40 with the majority coming from within Ayrshire. The company also employs a number of highly skilled local sub-contractors.
“Houses are 90 per cent complete when they leave the Cumnock factory, facilitating a significantly shorter build programme and earlier occupancy. Modular, factory construction offers many advantages over traditional building, with significant improvements in quality and waste reduction leading to more sustainable homes.”
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