A Cumbrian paper mill has opened a new gym as part of £1m of investment into its facilities.
James Cropper, in Burneside, near Kendal, which makes paper products as well as a variety of other advanced materials, opened the gym this week. It is one of a number of improvements planned for the site over the next 12 months.
It will be available seven days a week, for use by all employees and is part of the business’ mission to boost physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing for staff.
Lancashire company Gym Gear worked with the James Cropper team to design and install the gym, providing a range of machines including cardio equipment, strength-based equipment, and free weights.
James Cropper chief executive Phil Wild said: “James Cropper cares passionately about its employees, and we are proud of our sustainable manufacturing and responsible business practices.
“As part of our mission to drive change, we identified employee well-being as a priority objective, and we are dedicated to building a workplace environment that enhances the wellbeing of our people.”
Chris Finnigan, business development manager at Gym Gear, said: “We are experiencing growth in the need for workplace gyms.
“Forward thinking businesses, like James Cropper, are understanding that as that the majority of workers can spend up to three-quarters of their day sat down, this can contribute to a range of preventable health conditions, so it is important, if not essential, to offer where possible, a convenient way to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.”
Phil added: “We support our employee’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing; balancing their work and personal responsibilities to help them to work safely and effectively. We know that when people are healthy and well they are able to contribute more – whether that’s to their families, their work or society at large.”
The gym at James Cropper is open for use to all employees who work on or are visiting the Kendal-based site, and will be open seven days a week from 4am to 11pm.
