20.12.2011

Big new premises for Astra

UK based Astra Access Safety Training has moved to new premises in Darton, Barnsley, Yorkshire.

The new open plan facility covers 4,650 square metres (50,000sqft) and has an 18 metres high ceiling.

The company has invested £100,000 within the new building to create a mock four-bedroom house and 15 metre high steel-frame structure, both for demonstration and training purposes. The facility also includes a suite of classrooms and will incorporate new offices in the near future.

Astra offers training and work at height consultancy services to clients in the construction, utilities, cleaning and other industries. Until the move the company was based in Wakefield, but says that it outgrew that facility some time ago.

Astra director Mick Aston said: “Our huge new base means we can improve and expand our comprehensive package of health and safety consultancy and training services – all designed to support workers operating at height, whether that is on scaffolding, mobile towers, elevating work platforms such as cherry pickers and scissor lifts, or simply on ladders and steps.”
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Mick Aston on scaffolding inside Astra Access Safety Training’s new facility

“The fully-accredited facility is well-positioned at Darton, just three miles from the M1, and we are ready to attract new customers from all over the country. We’ll certainly be recruiting staff in management, administration, sales and marketing to support the growth of business in 2012.”
Enterprising Barnsley Business Development Manager Shaun Higginbottom said:

“It is fantastic to see a successful company like Astra moving in to Barnsley, investing in the local economy and creating new jobs. We will continue to work with Mick and the team to support their establishment within the borough.”

Astra’s client list includes ‘blue-chip’ companies such as Rolls Royce, British Nuclear Fuels and Virgin Atlantic. It plans to hold an open day in the New Year to demonstrate the potential of the new indoor training centre.