A SPECIALIST bandsaw manufacturer based in Wiveliscombe has secured Government funding that will help it invest in new machinery and create two new jobs.

EPS Servicing and Tooling has been awarded £25,000 from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund pot, which will enable the company to invest in new machinery for its site in Wiveliscombe earlier than planned.

EPS manufactures and services wide bandsaws, supplying the timber processing market from its two factories in Wiveliscombe and Kirkcaldy in Scotland.

This new machinery will help increase capacity, and support the recruitment of two extra staff over the next 18 months.

Cllr Mark Edwards, Executive Councillor for Business development, said: “EPS is one of only three producers of bandsaws in the UK and is an important employer in Wiveliscombe.

“It is important that we work closely with our business community, as they are the drivers of growth in the local economy. I’m particularly pleased that we were able to assist this successful application and I congratulate managing director Nick Palmer and the team.”

Nick Palmer, Managing Director of EPS added: “We have a very effective relationship with the Council’s Economic Development team, supporting our application for funding has helped us grow and develop at a faster pace.”

The business employs 30 people across its two sites, with the majority of staff in Somerset, and has been based in Wiveliscombe since 1985 when they moved from smaller premises locally.

Two of the original four employees are still with the company today

The council’s economic development team advised EPS on the availability of funding to help it grow, and will work with the company to ensure that its success continues to benefit the Wiveliscombe workforce and the local economy.