WORK has begun on a new £11 million manufacturing plant which will bring more than 100 jobs to Dorking by the end of the year.
Bulldozers have moved on to a vacant 2.2-hectare plot at the western end of the Curtis Road Industrial Estate to start building a factory for Johnston Sweepers.
The company, which makes street-cleaning machinery, currently uses centres in Sittingbourne, Kent, and Ash Vale, Hampshire, as well as Dorking, where it has been based since 1924.
Once the plant is completed, the other two sites will close, with employees offered the chance to relocate to Dorking following a consultation process.
The new development will bring all aspects of production to a single site where workers will make truck-mounted sweepers using new laser-cutting, paint-coating, assembly, welding and storage facilities.
The 9,708 sq m building will also have parking for 143 cars and 22 bikes beside 5,500 sq m of landscaped green space.
Spokesman Nigel Brunning said the construction project was expected to last between 10 and 12 months and would result in significant efficiency savings for the company.
