THE size of the workforce at a Warrington employer could increase if plans for a new building are approved.

Plans have been submitted to Warrington Borough Council for a new outbuilding at the Plastic Omnium site at Omega.

The proposal is for a temporary, ancillary storage building on existing hardstanding on land off the business’ Orion Boulevard location.

Plastic Omnium is a manufacturer of external plastic elements for cars such as bumpers, energy absorption systems, fender and front-end modules.

The company also provides tank systems, road signage, waste storage systems and wheelie bins, and has approximately 31,000 employees across the world.

Planning documents state: “The company currently employs 300 full-time members of staff on the premises, with the application resulting in an increase of 10 members of staff.

“The proposed hours of operation will mirror the existing 24-hour operation on the site.

“The building is required for a temporary period of 10 years to allow the company to increase stock and address customer demand.”

It would be built on land to the rear and east of the existing main premises on land previously occupied by external storage on the goods yard.

“The building will make better use of this underutilised land within the Plastic Omnium premises by providing a dry, secure environment for the loading and unloading of goods,” the firm says.

“The building will lead to an increase of 10 full-time employees, however these movements are spread across a 24-hour period.

“As such, there will only be a negligible increase in traffic movements. There is also no material change in HGV movements as a result of the proposals.

“The demountable design, materials and method of construction will help to minimise the disruption to operations on the site, while allowing the company to meet commercial demand.”

Documents conclude: “The design, layout and accessibility of the proposed building is appropriate in this location.

“The building is subservient to the surrounding industrial environment and is of a complimentary design.

“The proposals are entirely appropriate and comply with relevant planning policy and guidance.

“There is therefore a compelling case for the granting of permission without delay.”