React Engineering moves into former Kangol Factory site at Cleator Mills

A leading project management and engineering company will bring new life to a historic industrial site when it moves into the former Kangol Factory in West Cumbria.

React Engineering’s team of 60 is currently based at its head office in Cleator Moor and a satellite office in Warrington. The company supports major nuclear decommissioning projects across the UK.

In January next year, React is due to move its headquarters to the former Kangol Factory site, at Cleator Mills, which is being refurbished as commercial premises by Cumbrian Developer Genr8 North.

Originally built as a flax mill in 1830, the site became the factory for hat brand Kangol in 1938, with its work including supplying berets to the British armed forces during World War Two.

It became one of Cumbria’s most famous companies, producing headwear worn by stars including Samuel L Jackson and hip-hop artists such as Grandmaster Flash and the Notorious B.I.G.

The factory closed in 2009 and many of the buildings have since fallen into disrepair.

However, Genr8 North was granted permission to develop the site into commercial premises by Cumberland Council last year.

The development will incorporate a 100KW solar array on the roof, with the aim of providing for its own energy demands.

Design work for the project is being undertaken by Manning Elliott Partnership Architects and Designers, based in Pallet Hill, near Penrith.

React’s Managing Director Phil Redfern said the move would cement the company’s place in the community, as well as giving it space to continue to grow.

“The Cleator Mills site played such an important part in the heritage of the local area, providing employment for generations of families but also having an impact nationally and globally,” he said.

“It is very symbolic for it to be brought back to life as a home for new generations of workers at a homegrown business which plays a part in the nuclear decommissioning effort across the UK.”

The premises will comprise an open plan design, with views across the western fells of the Lake District and access to walks beside the River Ehen.

Phil added: “We are excited to be working with local partners on a regeneration project which will attract and retain new business and talent in the area. We cannot wait to welcome our clients, partners and community to our new home.”

For React Receptionist Christine Grears, the move will see her return to the site where previous generations of her family worked.

“My family lived on Mill Street, both my mother and her sisters all worked at the papermill.,” she said.

“The site provided a stable income for many families who lived in the Cleator area, including my own. It’s exciting to be part of the restoration of the site and to be part of a company like React who are offering sustainable careers locally.”

React Engineering Consultant John Iacopino says the location of the site will provide a connection with the landscape he has come to love since moving from Los Angeles to work in West Cumbria two-and-a-half years ago.

“At first I was nervous about moving to a rural area, but I actually really enjoy the forests, rivers, lakes and fresh air in West Cumbria.,” said John.

“The proximity of Cleator Mills to the fells and rivers will make it a very attractive workplace for people thinking of moving to the area.”

Genr8 North Director Mark Walker said: “The regeneration of the old Kangol site at Cleator Moor has been an exciting project for us all at Genr8 North.

“It is especially rewarding to see the old mill building slowly come back to life. We are delighted to be working with React Engineering on this project, being a local firm, providing high quality employment opportunities for both local people and families wanting to move to the area.”