Aluminium Roofline Products (ARP) is holding a ceremony on Thursday 11 August to launch its new conveyorised wet paint spraying line.

The Leicester-based business was founded in a garage 30 years ago and has since grown to occupy 25,000 sq ft premises at Meridian Business Park.

The investment of almost £500,000 for the paint line was made with the support of a grant from the LLEP and has already created 10 new jobs in the company with more recruitment planned. The paint line provides a factory coated finish to cast iron gutters and downpipes sold through builders’ merchants, online suppliers and roofing contractors across the UK and Ireland.

Steve Dann, managing director of ARP, said: “We are delighted to have made this considerable investment as it extends our range of quality guttering and roofline products from cast, extruded, fabricated and seamless aluminium to now include cast iron, which is used extensively across the UK particularly in heritage areas. We are now truly a national supplier and are increasing our market share by offering quality products, great value and customer service excellence.”

Dr Jonathan Castleman, chairman of Norman & Underwood, will officially be opening the wet paint line. In addition, the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire Lady Gretton, and the Lord Hazlerigg, together with ARP customers and suppliers will also be attending the event. Dr Castleman will present awards to four ARP staff for their commitment and service to the business.

Richard Muddimer, chairman of ARP, commented: “As a Leicester-based family business we have grown from humble beginnings into one that employs over 50 people. We have invested large sums in the business including a semi-automated powder coat paint line and de-coiling machinery, as well as this most recent wet paint line addition. While these investments have provided the platform for growth, it is also of great credit to our staff who have dedicated much skill and hard work to attain and maintain the best quality and service levels in our industry. We see a bright future ahead.”