Major investment to secure local jobs is welcomed by Council leader
A multimillion-pound investment into new Wirral headquarters by a locally based company is set to secure dozens of jobs and create more in the future following support from the Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Finsa UK is a sustainable wood-based panel manufacturer that has operated in Birkenhead for more than 25 years.
The company is relocating its Birkenhead operations from Vittoria Dock and Ocean Park to a new facility at Grandidges Quay, within the Freeport tax site at Wirral Waters.
The £20 million investment will see new 170,000 sq. ft facility constructed providing modern operational capacity including a new £2m dockside crane facilitated by Finsa which will be able to be used by other port-focused businesses..
Wirral Council’s Economic Growth Team in partnership with the Liverpool City Region Freeport Team at the Combined Authority, has been supporting Finsa UK to access the benefits of the UK Freeport programme.
This can include business rates relief, stamp duty relief, employer’s national insurance relief on new jobs created and capital allowances where eligible.
Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paula Basnett, said:
This investment is a fantastic vote of confidence in Wirral and in the opportunities created by the Freeport at Wirral Waters. Finsa’s decision to consolidate its operations here and commit to long-term growth demonstrates the strength of our local economy and the attractiveness of our borough as a place to do business.
Safeguarding jobs and creating new high-quality employment is at the heart of our economic strategy, and projects like this show how partnership working can deliver real benefits for local people and businesses.
The Finsa investment is strategically significant for the further development of Wirral Waters and provides a symbolically important commitment to the area.
Raquel Carrillo, Managing Director, Finsa UK said:
After more than 25 years of operation in the Wirral, this significant £20 million investment underscores our deep commitment to the future of the area and the wider Liverpool City Region.
This project lays the foundation for decades of sustained growth and enables us to contribute proudly to the regeneration of Birkenhead Docks by delivering modern port infrastructure. The new facility will function as a key port terminal and national distribution centre for Finsa, strengthening the supply chain for the construction industry nationwide by providing our vast catalogue of wood-based solutions for both structural and interior decoration uses in housing and commercial projects.
We are especially grateful for the support from the Council and the Combined Authority, which helped us make this vision a reality, and we look forward to building upon our already strong connections with the local business and wider community.
Cllr Mike Wharton, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Business and Trade, said:
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is proud to have supported Finsa UK in unlocking the benefits of our Freeport programme. This investment demonstrates how Freeport incentives can drive growth, safeguard skilled jobs, and attract new opportunities to our region. By working in partnership with our local authorities we are helping businesses like Finsa UK to thrive, strengthen local supply chains, and contribute to inclusive economic growth across the city region.
As a result of their investment in their new facility Finsa UK has been able to apply for Freeport Business Rates Relief, which is locally administered and is assessed against the LCR Freeport Gateway Policy which is designed to incentivise growth, as well as attract investment and high-quality jobs to the area from key sector industries.
The project will significantly enhance the company’s cargo handling capacity at Birkenhead Docks, projecting a 23% increase in throughput by 2031 and building upon the foundation of 30 vessels currently received each year. It is expected to safeguard the existing 50 direct and indirect local jobs, contributing to inclusive job growth over the next five years in line with cargo increase forecasts by retaining and growing skilled jobs and local supply chains.
