Guhring has completed the steel framework of its new UK headquarters at the Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMH) in Aston, Birmingham. The global tool manufacturer purchased 3.5 acres (1.41 hectares) of development land at the scheme from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Birmingham City Council last year, in a deal secured by Savills.
German-owned Guhring, which supplies brands including BMW, Ford, JLR and BAE Systems, is developing a c.50,000 sq ft (4,645 sq m) factory at the AMH which is due for completion in January 2017. The new facility will accommodate R&D and the full manufacturing process, some of which was previously located in Castle Bromwich where Gurhing has been based since 1990.
Guhring was the second occupier to commit to the AMH, following HydraForce Hydraulics which completed a 120,000 sq ft (11,148 sq m) European headquarters at the site in summer 2015. Additionally, Trebor Developments, in conjunction with Aviva Investors, is bringing forward the first speculative development at the scheme after planning consent for a 94,500 sq ft (8,779 sq m) facility known as ‘Apollo’ was granted in May this year.
Charlie Spicer, industrial director at Savills, comments: “The completion of the steel framework is a significant milestone for Guhring’s facility and the progression of the AMH as a whole. Construction of the first speculative development, Apollo, started last week which is a further sign of the scheme’s growing maturity.”
Mike Dinsdale, managing director at Guhring, adds: “Searching for the right site in the right location had been a time consuming and business delaying activity until the AMH became available. With construction well under way, our staff are eagerly looking forward to relocating to a purpose built, high tech facility in this famous area of the city which is now being transformed.”
Savills is marketing further plots at the AMH which can accommodate units of up to 150,000 sq ft (13,935 sq m). The scheme benefits from a Local Development Order which grants planning consent for manufacturing, light industrial and R&D. New occupiers can choose their own development partners and may be able to take advantage of assistance with funding grants, space planning and building design, subject to criteria.
