Cleland McIver’s expansion marks milestone for Rochdale’s thriving business landscape

Rochdale-based textile supplier Cleland McIver, established in Littleborough in 1983, has announced its move to a 165,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility at Kingsway Business Park. This consolidation of three sites within the borough signals the company’s impressive growth and highlights Rochdale’s reputation as a prime destination for business and investment.

Cleland McIver began its journey with just four employees at Smithy Bridge. Today, the company employs over 270 people, with over 90% of its workforce drawn from the local area. This expansion at Kingsway Business Park, a strategic hub home to major names including Amazon, JD Group, and Danish Crown, will further strengthen Cleland McIver’s operations and ties to the community.

Paul Adams, Operations Director at Cleland McIver, said:  “Michelle McHugh Business Development Manager and the team at the RDA have been a fantastic support over the years. Their expertise, dedication, and local knowledge have been invaluable in helping us through our journey, and is one of the key reasons we wanted to stay in Rochdale.”

The RDA, established in 1993, has played a pivotal role in supporting Cleland McIver’s growth. From relocation assistance to recruitment and strategic guidance, the RDA’s efforts reflect its broader mission to attract and retain businesses in Rochdale.

Kingsway Business Park, part of the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone, will soon host the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC), positioning Rochdale as a hub for cutting-edge research in sustainable manufacturing. This aligns with Cleland McIver’s vision for the future while reinforcing Rochdale’s appeal as a thriving centre for business innovation.

About the RDA

The Rochdale Development Agency was established to foster economic growth, attract investment, and support businesses across the borough. Over the past 30 years, the RDA has safeguarded thousands of jobs, assisted local companies in scaling up, and attracted major employers to Rochdale. Its collaborative approach between public and private sectors has cemented Rochdale as an ideal location for businesses of all sizes.

The RDA offer a spectrum of support that includes:-
• Planning/planning challenges
• Property searches
• Liaison with council departments
• Signposting to partners
• Support with recruitment
• Identifying funding opportunities
• Transport and infrastructure
• Connecting with landlords/managing agents
• Facilitating local connections/supply chain opportunities
• Business connections
• Training opportunities
• Sustainability/Net Zero support
• Marketing and promotional support