Business Profile

Although Dronfield is situated on the fringe of the Derbyshire Peak District it has established a reputation as a centre for a wide range of industry. Most of this is concentrated on the two industrial estates at Callywhite Lane and Wreakes Lane, both of which are within easy reach of the M1 motorway and the A61 trunk road.

The striking feature of the industrial estate at Callywhite Lane Ð at which some sites are still available - is the manner in which the various buildings, etc. have been laid out.

Among the various products manufactured in the Town are machinery, instruments, mining appliances, brass fittings, oil and grease, tarmacadam and concrete, aluminium and zinc alloy, and pressure die-casters, whilst an enterprise founded some years ago manufactures colloidal graphite dispersions and automatic equipment for applying by the Grad process in the manufacture of motor car and aircraft components. Of particular interest is the fully automated "Grad-a-Matic" die spray unit, the only one of its kind in the world. The company is now leading British supplier to the hot metal working industries.

A local bakery is a major employer producing cakes, buns, sandwiches and Christmas puddings for some of the largest supermarket chains in this country and abroad.

It is also interesting to note that the first malleable iron foundries in the country were in Dronfield and several with up-to-date facilities still exist in the area producing high quality malleable iron for the motor trade, engineering and allied industries.

In addition there are a number of printers and civil engineering contractors etc. with premises in the area.

Although the majority of the land available in the area for industrial development is now owned by the local authority, any industrialists requiring advice or further information on the possibility of establishing businesses in Dronfield should contact the Planning Department, North East Derbyshire District Council, Saltergate, Chesterfield. Tel: 01246 231111.