The East of England's green credentials have been given a significant boost via a £500,000 grant offered to 2K Manufacturing Ltd, manufacturers of the environmentally friendly, award winning 'EcoSheet'.

The EEDA funding will allow 2K Manufacturing to set up its first plant and start production of the 'EcoSheet' - an environmentally friendly alternative to Plywood.

The plant, which is to be based in Hertfordshire, is set to bring an anticipated 40 jobs to the area, and will be the first of its kind in the UK.

2K Manufacturing, which was established in 2007 by Omer Kutluoglu and Turul Taskent, will manufacture flat sheets made from recycled plastics, which would otherwise go into landfill.

Not only will the new EcoSheets help to save the planet, they are described as being better value and easier to use than the main alternative.

Trevor Conway - Access to Finance Manager said:
"The grant will enable 2K Manufacturing Ltd to set up a plant here in the East of England. Not only bringing an exciting new product to the region, but also an anticipated 40 new jobs. This is exactly the type of project The Grant for Business Investment programme was set up to fund. This is good news for the environment and good news for the region"

Omer Kutluoglu, director, 2K Manufacturing said:
"Thanks to the EEDA grant, 2K Manufacturing can set up base in the East of England enabling it to compete both in the UK and international markets. We have already been working hard and building relationships with the key players in the construction Industry. This looks set to be an exciting time for 2K Manufacturing and the construction industry as a whole".

Phoenix Corporate Finance Partners LLP advised 2k Manufacturing during the grant application process.