COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IN THE HEADLINES A&H Construction wins contract for Pilkington

M&G Real Estate and Trebor

Developments have appointed A&H Construction Ltd as main contractor for a new 325,000 sq ft industrial facility in Redditch.

The new tenant, glass specialist Pilkington Automotive, should be able to move in by the summer.

The project involves the construction of a 72,000 sq ft extension and alterations to the existing structure in Old Forge Drive to create a new manufacturing operation – all being undertaken while Pilkington’s distribution operations continue.

The development will provide manufacturing and national distribution facilities for Pilkington which is moving from Kings Norton. The company, owned by Japan’s NSG Group, is consolidating its UK operations at the Redditch site.

Chris Jeffs, Director, Investment Management at M&G Real Estate, said: “Securing a pre-let to an existing occupier for this extension makes it a natural investment choice that will deliver rental income and grow the value of this industrial holding.”

Rob Purcell, NSG Group’s Head of Automotive Original Equipment across Europe, said: “Redditch will become the consolidated centre for our automotive operations throughout the UK. This new future-proofed facility will allow us to continue to develop glass products for our customers’ vehicle automation and electrification initiatives.”

Move to Witney HQ goes swimmingly for Certikin

Certikin International, the country’s largest manufacturer and distributor of swimming pool and wet leisure equipment, has agreed a pre-let for a new 125,000 sq ft headquarters in Witney.

Since 1990, Certikin’s HQ and main distribution hub has been based in Station Lane industrial estate, Witney where it has more than 8,000 product lines for domestic and commercial pools and spas.

The new HQ will be in Downs Road near the A40 and forms part of the 24-acre site being developed by Tungsten Properties.

Certikin aims to move its 130-strong workforce into the new building by the end of 2020.

Neil Murray, Managing Director for Certikin, said: “Having outgrown our existing premises, we needed to move to a bigger, better site but we were determined to stay in Witney to cause the least possible disruption to our highly-valued and experienced employees.

“All our products will be under one roof with increased picking locations and more efficient order preparation. We will also benefit by bringing stock held in third-party storage back into our main warehouse.”

The company also has a swimming pool liner and cover manufacturing plant in Leeds.

Former Richard Read transport site at Longhope to become business park

A former warehouse and transport depot in Longhope, Gloucestershire will be transformed into a business park following its sale to investors, Dr Roger Head and Jim Ruddy.

Previously the home to Richard Read Transport, which ceased trading last March, the site had been used as a warehouse and distribution site for more than 60 years.

Robert Smith at Bruton Knowles’ Gloucester office, who brokered the deal, said: “The former owners wish the purchasers every success for the future with their plans for the property.

“The site has huge potential and with Roger Head and Jim Ruddy at its helm, it has an exciting future ahead as a business park.”

Roger Head said: “We intend to start as soon as possible on what will be a multimillion pound refurbishment. We already own a number of industrial estates and are pleased to add this to our portfolio.”