An Island cleaning firm founded by two people a quarter of a century ago, has opened new purpose-built headquarters to house a growing 130-strong workforce.
Clients, supporters and members of government toasted the official opening of Strand Group's Sailmaker House HQ on Tromode estate at a reception (26 Feb).
The premises covering a 1.25 acre site, house the group's four businesses, Strand Facilities Services, Krypton Contract Cleaning, Storall and Clean A Way, in five units of 3000 sq foot.
The opening was performed by Tony Wild MLC who saluted the development as a 'massive investment' by the firm, which he said 'showed commitment to the Manx economy, to its customers and to its workforce.'
The building's name reflects the manufacture of sail cloth at a factory on the site from 1790, from where WF Moore and Sons supplied the British Navy and sailing fleets worldwide.
Chairman of Strand Group, John Hellowell said: ‘We have invested in the future because we are confident. Confident that together we can continue to do business for years to come.'
New training facilities at Sailmaker House will allow expansion of specialist training offered to other companies and organisations on the Island.