There are high paying jobs right here in North Devon - David Worden

Recently, along with council officers, I had the pleasure of receiving a tour of the Accord Healthcare factory in Barnstaple. Accord is a major manufacturer of pharmaceuticals which has been based in Whiddon Valley for many years. The company employs around 700 local people in a range of roles and exports products to all parts of the globe.

I often hear people complaining that as there is a lack of decent jobs in North Devon talented young people need to leave the area. I know that the bright lights of the city will always be a draw but if you value the lifestyle and environment of this area you shouldn’t feel that you have to move away in order to have a career or a well paid job.

There are many businesses that offer highly skilled roles for local workers right across the District. Many offer comprehensive training opportunities to ensure that employees have the skills required by their businesses.

It is perhaps a little dangerous to name specific companies because I won’t have room to mention everyone but I will give some examples to highlight the depth and breadth of North Devon manufacturers and the possible opportunities for local residents.

In Ilfracombe, two major employers immediately spring to mind: Pall and TDK Lambda. Pall manufacture filtration systems which are used in the production of vaccines worldwide and a recent investment saw the creation of a further 200 jobs on the site, in addition to the existing 715.

TDK Lambda is an electronics manufacturer specialising in AC-DC and DC-DC power supplies which has its European head office and manufacturing base in Ilfracombe. It employs around 350 on the site. Developing a skilled workforce has seen TDK Lambda create their own graduate scheme. But we have a fantastic HE/FE college in Petroc who works closely with our business community to ensure a high quality pipeline of skilled workers are coming through North Devon.

In Braunton, Perrigo is another major pharmaceutical manufacturer and employs around 500 staff. Braunton is also home to North Devon Electronics, another local long standing company, that specialises in the development and production of coil wound products and employs around 100 people.

In South Molton Norbord – West Fraser has been manufacturing wooden construction panel products for many years from its plant at Hill Village and currently employs around 400 staff. South Molton is also home to Aramis Rugby who manufacture digital rugby scrum machines and is part of a wider global company manufacturing other rugby equipment and clothing.

They have just won the contract to supply all the equipment including scrummage machines for the Rugby World Cup in France 2023. They urgently need full time or part time welders to help meet this contract.

In Barnstaple, other major manufacturers include businesses such as Hobart (commercial kitchen equipment), SEA (providing engineering and software design services), Turnstyle Design (door and furniture hardware), SFL (flues and chimney manufacturer) and Atlas Packaging (cardboard packaging). These companies between them employ over 500 staff.

There are also manufacturers that operate in the smaller communities in North Devon, some of which may surprise you. If you live in a rural area of the country, you may have seen bright red crop spraying tractors on very tall wheels. Did you know though that these are manufactured by R.J.Bateman in Chulmleigh?

It may also surprise you that North Devon is home to some well known brands that you see on our high streets such as Saltrock and Dryrobe which are based in Braunton and is the base of major retailers such as RGB and Mole Valley Farmers.

There are also many highly regarded businesses in sectors other than manufacturing that operate in the area and that provide very skilled jobs. If someone has an interest in architecture, design, PR, HR, accountancy, legal or a host of other subjects, there are employers that can provide employment in these areas.

It is probably a little unfair of me to single out specific companies because North Devon is a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship. Many of the companies mentioned above are now part of global companies but started in North Devon years ago and many people have spent their whole working lives employed by these companies.

Next time someone says that there are no quality or well paid jobs in North Devon, ask them to think again.

Written by David Worden, Leader of North Devon Council