MORE JOBS COULD BE ON THE CARDS AT VIKOMA IF PLANS FOR NEW WAREHOUSE ARE APPROVED

An Isle of Wight manufacturer of oil spill solutions is looking to ramp up production at its East Cowes base — with the potential to create more jobs. Vikoma moved into its East Cowes home in 2010 where it makes skimmers, inflatable storage tanks, dispersants and land cleaning equipment used worldwide in the aftermath of an oil spill. The company is looking to build a new warehouse at its Kingston Road site to support, expand and facilitate existing manufacturing processes. Andrew White Planning Consultancy, on behalf of Vikoma, told the Isle of Wight Council an increase in production would have the benefit of creating more employment opportunities. At any one time, the planning consultants said Vikoma needs to have at least 400 50m long booms in stock but there is insufficient storage space at its base to accommodate all of the booms. The company currently rents off-site storage but it impacts on the time it takes to make and then deliver the booms to customers. The planners said Vikoma is keen to upscale the production of booms which will require additional workspace, which can be created by moving all products into one on-site storage building. The warehouse would sit on the edge of the Vikoma site, close to the allotments on Cadets Walk. The planning consultants say the proposed warehouse would not result in any unacceptable visual intrusion into the surrounding area. You can view the plans, 24/00108/FUL, on the Isle of Wight Council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until 23rd February.