Commercial : Industrial News
Glencar celebrates completion of prime logistics development at G-Park Basingstoke for Wrenbridge

Glencar celebrates completion of prime logistics development at G-Park Basingstoke for Wrenbridge

Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that it has completed construction of a 209,000 sq ft speculative industrial/logistics facility at G-Park Basingstoke developed for long-term and valued customer Wrenbridge, it’s funding partner Bridges Fund Management and leading global

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Caddick to build logistics hub in Wolverhampton

Caddick to build logistics hub in Wolverhampton

Caddick Construction has been awarded a £12m contract by Staffordshire Pension Fund to build a new 100,000 sq ft distribution warehouse at Vernon Park in Wolverhampton.   Work on the new two-storey high industrial unit will commence this month and will see Caddick Construction deliver the base-build to accommodate manufacturing, storage

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Prologis UK launches Flexxtra, a market-first flexible warehouse leasing model

Prologis UK launches Flexxtra, a market-first flexible warehouse leasing model

Prologis UK, a leading owner, developer and investor of logistics property has launched a market-first flexible warehouse offering, Flexxtra, at Prologis Park Wellingborough West DC4. Flexxtra, a warehouse-as-a-service offering, provides agile additional warehouse space to businesses on an as-needed, pallet-by-pallet basis. Both a convenient and flexible way to manage logistics

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Latest Issue
Issue 325 : Feb 2025

Commercial : Industrial News

Clowes and main contractor Roe Developments achieve practical completion on two more units at Dove Valley Park.

Clowes and main contractor Roe Developments achieve practical completion on two more units at Dove Valley Park.

Clowes together with their Lead contractor, Roe Developments have achieved practical completion at plot 10B and 3A at Dove Valley Park, Foston as part of the multi-million-pound property deal with Hines. Dove Valley Park’s site owners, Clowes Developments instructed Roe Developments to build 10B (152,466sq ft) and 3B (110,292sq ft) stand-alone units as part of the 1.36 million sq ft portfolio with global real estate investment, development and property manager, Hines. 10B unit sits on the southern side of the business park whilst 3A is located on the northern side next to GXO. Dove Valley Park which is conveniently located just off the A50 between Derby and Stoke on Trent, providing great access to both the East and West Midlands markets. The brand-new commercial units were designed by IMA architects and comprises of single storey warehouse with office and welfare space split over two floors at the front of the building. The unit benefits from a large secure yard with level-access loading bays and docks. Both plots have considerable onsite parking facilities with disabled bays EV charging stations. Warehouse roofs were designed to carry photo voltaic panels subject to the occupier’s requirements. Additionally, these unit boast floor to ceiling double glazed in the warehouse area and 10% roof lights, creating a brighter environment for warehouse workers. You can watch a detailed time lapse of the construction of both units here: https://www.clowes-dvp.co.uk/ Marc Freeman, Director at Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd added, “Clowes are pleased to deliver the last two units for Hines’ growing portfolio in the East Midlands and now look forward to delivering the ‘final phase’ of development at Dove Valley Park. Clowes together with IMA Architects have recently submitted a planning application to South Derbyshire District Council for the 35.29-acre site creating over half a million square feet of employment space for B2, B8, with ancillary E(g) use. Four units of varying sizes will be created to meet market demand for quality industrial space, along with the necessary associated hard and soft landscaping, car parking and infrastructure. In addition, a new Innovation Centre will be created that will serve as a central hub for all businesses in the local vicinity. The aim is to draw people together and provide spaces for gatherings, along with informal meeting space and access to external areas. The Innovation Centre will also serve as a space for start-up businesses to begin and has been developed in consultation with The University of Derby.” For more information design and build opportunities at Dove Valley Park, please contact the site’s agents, Tim Gilbertson, FHP Property Consultants on tim@fhp.co.uk or Nick Waddington, Carter Jonas on nick.waddington@carterjonas.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Network Space Developments submits planning for former Manchester College site, Openshaw. Manchester

Network Space Developments submits planning for former Manchester College site, Openshaw. Manchester

Network Space Developments (NSD) has submitted a planning application for four new industrial units on its 2.8-acre site on Welcomb Street, Openshaw. The former Manchester College site, accessed from the Ashton Old Road (A635), currently comprises several redundant buildings of varying ages and sizes which were previously used as classrooms and workshops by the Manchester School of Building. The full planning application submitted to Manchester City Council is for the demolition of existing buildings and delivery of up to 75,175 sq. ft of multi-let industrial accommodation for Class E(g)(ii)(iii), B2 and B8 uses. The scheme, designed by AEW Architects, includes four highly sustainable commercial units ranging from 7,674 sq. ft to 29,439 sq. ft, all with ancillary office space at first floor, generous external service yards, dedicated car parking and EV charging points. Joe Burnett, Development Director for NSD, commented: “We are delighted to have submitted our planning application for the site, which represents the final piece of the jigsaw for the wider City Works Business Park. “The site is strategically located in a highly desirable area of Greater Manchester which is ideal for both industrial and last-mile logistics uses. Its accessibility to a skilled local workforce provides a wealth of opportunities for commercial operators who are looking for market leading, high quality, sustainable, industrial units. The proposed development will have its own distinct identity but has been designed to complement the highly successful existing City Works Business Park, which we delivered several years ago and is still owned and managed by Network Space Investments. “This scheme will also further bolster our pipeline of circa 700,000 sq. ft of multi-let industrial schemes that are already consented across the North West and Yorkshire.” NSD initially acquired the site in 2022 and work is expected to start in 2025, subject to planning. Spawforths is advising NSD on planning. Agents for the proposed scheme are Cushman & Wakefield and JLL. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Glencar celebrates completion of prime logistics development at G-Park Basingstoke for Wrenbridge

Glencar celebrates completion of prime logistics development at G-Park Basingstoke for Wrenbridge

Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that it has completed construction of a 209,000 sq ft speculative industrial/logistics facility at G-Park Basingstoke developed for long-term and valued customer Wrenbridge, it’s funding partner Bridges Fund Management and leading global logistics operator GLP. The building which took just 12 months to construct features a highly sustainable specification designed to meet the needs of a modern occupier, achieving EPC A+ and BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating. The building boasts an impressive specification and benefits from 15M clear internal height, 50kN sq m floor loading, 47M wide yard depth, 19 dock doors, 2 level access doors, 9 HGV/162 car parking spaces, a gatehouse, an abundant power supply together with 10,829 sq ft of office space over two storeys. Speaking about the development, Glencar Managing Director, London and South, Roy Jones said: “Delivering another successful project for our much valued repeat customer, Wrenbridge, marks a significant milestone for us. The advanced features of this facility, including intelligent energy-saving systems and PV panels, enhance operational efficiency and contribute to significant cost savings. Our team’s dedication has resulted in a top-class development that we are excited to showcase.”. The site, on Priestley Road, is part of the established Houndmills Industrial Area, which is home to major occupiers including Sainsburys, Royal Mail, XPO Logistics, Leverton Clarke and GAME. It benefits from excellent infrastructure links and offers an unrivalled opportunity to service the London and wider South-East markets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Planning granted for £36m, 170,000 sq ft sustainable urban logistics development in Cheshire

Planning granted for £36m, 170,000 sq ft sustainable urban logistics development in Cheshire

Planning has been granted to speculatively build 170,000 sq ft of Grade A sustainable urban logistics space in Adlington, Cheshire potentially creating up to 250 jobs. A joint venture (JV) between Chancerygate and specialist sustainable and impact investor, Bridges Fund Management will deliver the scheme, which has a projected gross development value of around £36m. Called Avro Business Park, the scheme is located on a 7.8-acre site off London Road, south of Poynton town centre, and will adjoin Adlington Business Park and Adlington Industrial Estate. It will comprise 11 units ranging from 7,000 sq ft to 29,000 sq ft, available on a leasehold or freehold basis. Construction is scheduled to commence in October, with practical completion expected October 2025. Neighbouring occupiers to the development include confectionery manufacturer Swizzels, tray sealing and packaging line specialist Proseal, and transport company William Kirk. All properties at the development will target an EPC rating of A+ and a BREEAM Excellent rating. They will feature electric vehicle charging points along with solar photovoltaic cells which provide occupiers with affordable green energy. In addition, the units will be constructed from high-performance building materials to reduce CO2 emissions. Chancerygate development director, Chris Brown, who is based in the company’s Warrington office, said: “Avro Business Park is in an excellent location, with fantastic connections to the airport and the M56 via the new Poynton Relief Road. “The area is witnessing an increasing shift to ESG-led developments, from both the occupational and investor market. “Our development will help satisfy this strong demand for sustainable, high specification urban logistics accommodation within the south Manchester and Cheshire markets.” Founded in 1995, Chancerygate is the UK’s largest urban logistics property developer and asset manager and the only one operating nationwide. The company currently has around 1.16m sq ft of urban logistics space under construction or ready for development across ten sites ranging from Edinburgh to Croydon. Bridges is a specialist sustainable and impact investor. Its property funds focus on sectors that are well-placed to benefit from the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy, including lower-cost living, healthcare and sustainable logistics. Guy Bowden, partner at Bridges Fund Management, said: “We’re delighted that we can begin construction on this great site in Adlington. We plan to deliver Grade A logistics space with best-in-class sustainability credentials – meeting the strong local demand and supporting local job creation.” Agents for Avro Business Park are Savills and Williams Sillitoe Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Work commences to develop Lancaster riverside complex into new £14m UK HQ for Italian manufacturer

Work commences to develop Lancaster riverside complex into new £14m UK HQ for Italian manufacturer

Work has begun on GVS Filter Technology UK Ltd’s new £14m manufacturing facility and office complex, which will transform a 24,000 sqm vacant site on Caton Road in Lancaster into a sustainable and captivating riverside location. Conlon Construction and Cassidy + Ashton are leading on the project and will deliver a transformative UK headquarters that pays homage to the company’s Italian heritage. With roots stretching back to 1979, GVS manufactures highly technical filtration systems for healthcare, life science, safety and automotive sectors. The move will see all c.200 employees from GVS’s current UK office in Morecambe relocate to a new two-storey, low carbon waterside development in Lancaster, in a move that supports the company’s drive to net zero. Leveraging extensive experience in delivering sustainable projects, Conlon Construction will incorporate renewable energy and heat transfer management systems into the build. The new headquarters will also feature a sophisticated drainage system that channels surface water through grassed swales within the car park, leading to a meticulously landscaped wildlife pond, before ultimately releasing the water into the River Lune. The Bamber Bridge-based contractor is working alongside North West architects and planning consultancy, Cassidy + Ashton, who designed the scheme and secured planning permission for the ambitious project. The proposals see both parties working in partnership to transform an existing warehouse into GVS’s new production facilities, comprising injection moulding and high-tech filter manufacturing, which is carried out under ‘clean room’ standards. Conlon will also deliver space for warehousing and storage, plus a striking reception, office, and administration area. Darren Lee, commercial director at Conlon Construction, said: “This project suits our skills and experience at Conlon to a tee. We’ve delivered net zero builds for multiple clients, from the education sector to industrial units, and we’re thrilled to be involved in transforming this site into an inspiring and efficient workplace. “As a Lancashire business, we’ve a rich history of bringing spaces across the county, and beyond, to life – whether that’s through transforming areas with untapped potential or restoring historically significant buildings. “The plans by Cassidy + Ashton are spectacular. GVS will soon have a UK base reflective of its Italian roots and manufacturing prowess.” Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, GVS, a leading manufacturer of medical products and personal protective equipment, played a pivotal role in supplying the NHS with protective face masks specified to the highest classification. Miguel Aranda, Managing Director at GVS Filter Technology UK Ltd, said: “I am very impressed with the progress of the new building and am looking forward to the move next year in 2025. I can’t wait to start afresh in a new location where there will be improvements in our main drivers like safety, quality, delivery, productivity and cost, sustainability, inventory and the most important one, an improved working environment for our people.” Alistair Baines, chairman of Cassidy + Ashton, said: “After several years in the making, it’s great to finally see the works progressing on site. We know how important this project is for GVS as a company and I’m sure it will help strengthen their operations both regionally and globally.” Conlon Construction has broken ground on the former Sofidel site, kicking off construction in a special ceremony attended by representatives from the contractor, Cassidy + Ashton, GVS, structural engineer Sleater & Watson and M&E designer, DRB Environmental Design. Completion is expected in spring 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Caddick to build logistics hub in Wolverhampton

Caddick to build logistics hub in Wolverhampton

Caddick Construction has been awarded a £12m contract by Staffordshire Pension Fund to build a new 100,000 sq ft distribution warehouse at Vernon Park in Wolverhampton.   Work on the new two-storey high industrial unit will commence this month and will see Caddick Construction deliver the base-build to accommodate manufacturing, storage and distribution. Building work will include the creation of access roads, hardstanding, car parking, cycle storage and external landscaping at the new development at Junction 1 of the M54. Caddick will also install loading doors, dock leveller equipment, fire escape staircases, lifts and ancillary spaces. Additional features include heating, comfort cooling, domestic hot and cold-water services, electrical installations, fire alarms, and general and emergency lighting. The project adds to Caddick Construction’s growing portfolio in the Midlands, which also includes Urban Splash and Places for People’s Port Loop development in Birmingham where building work began in 2023. Vernon Park also adds to Caddick Construction’s wider portfolio of industrial developments across the North and Midlands, which includes projects on behalf of Network Space and Chancerygate. Ray O’Sullivan, Regional Director of Caddick Construction Midlands, commented: “We are building a healthy project pipeline in the Midlands, which is flexing our expertise in a number of our core sectors, including residential, commercial offices, and industrial and logistics. We have an excellent team in place to deliver Vernon Park, and we will be working with suppliers and subcontractors across Wolverhampton and the West Midlands to support our delivery of the project.” The design and consultant team at Vernon Park includes UMC Architects, Virtus Consult as project managers and quantity surveyors, Rodgers Leask as structural and civil engineering and M&E engineers, Couch Perry Wilkes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Panattoni increases investment at Sittingbourne to £170 million with further site acquisition

Panattoni increases investment at Sittingbourne to £170 million with further site acquisition

Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in the UK and Europe, has increased its investment in its net zero carbon logistics park at Sittingbourne to £170 million with the acquisition of an additional 10-acre site at G Park Sittingbourne. Panattoni is preparing to submit a planning application for a 128,050 sq ft unit on the new site. Construction of this second phase of development is expected to start in the fourth quarter of this year, with completion due in the third quarter of 2025. Panattoni is already under construction with the 645,000 sq ft first phase of development at the park, comprising two units of 440,000 sq ft (S440) and 205,000 sq ft (S205). Completion of these two units is expected in March 2025. Panattoni Park Sittingbourne, which will total 773,000 sq ft on 36 acres, is targeting net zero carbon development with an expected BREEAM sustainability rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘A’. All units are to be developed with enhanced sustainability measures within the base specification, including the installation of roof-mounted photovoltaic panelling and electric vehicle charging points. Panattoni Park Sittingbourne is strategically positioned between London and Dover, four miles north of junction 5 of the M2. The development provides convenient access to major national and international transport routes, with the port of Dover less than an hour away and easy connectivity to the M2, M20 and M25 motorways. Major occupiers in the area include Morrisons, Amazon, Evri and DHL. Tony Watkins, Head of Development for the South East and London at Panattoni, said: “This expansion of our site at Sittingbourne reflects theattractiveness of thelocation, which is suffering from an acute supply-demand imbalance. It is part of our strategy to acquire land in undersupplied markets in London and the south east that offers value-add opportunities”. Panattoni was advised by JLL. The vendor, GLP, was advised by Avison Young. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Prologis UK launches Flexxtra, a market-first flexible warehouse leasing model

Prologis UK launches Flexxtra, a market-first flexible warehouse leasing model

Prologis UK, a leading owner, developer and investor of logistics property has launched a market-first flexible warehouse offering, Flexxtra, at Prologis Park Wellingborough West DC4. Flexxtra, a warehouse-as-a-service offering, provides agile additional warehouse space to businesses on an as-needed, pallet-by-pallet basis. Both a convenient and flexible way to manage logistics needs, Flexxtra enables customers to react quickly to market conditions and manage peaks in demand, without the long-term commitment of traditional leasing. The all-in-one turnkey solution acts to simplify leasing by taking the operational responsibilities off the customer. The Flexxtra service will be fulfilled at Prologis Park Wellingborough West DC4, a new building which has been fitted out to accommodate 70,000 pallets. As part of the service, Prologis UK has appointed Kinaxia Logistics, working alongside Visku and their Pallet Hotel platform to manage inbound receipts, insurance, and outbound fulfilment for customers so that they have a seamless experience. Visku, a well-established supply chain solutions provider with in-depth experience and strong sector relationships, will oversee the day-to-day customer management. Building on its existing relationship with Prologis UK, with its flagship site located at DIRFT, Kinaxia Logistics, a leading logistics group operating in the transport, warehouse and fulfilment sector, will oversee operations on site. DC4 is strategically located between London and the Midlands, providing an ideal location for businesses looking to strengthen their supply chain operations and is ideally positioned for access to the port of Felixstowe, a major gateway for imports into the UK. The unit is expected to be able to support between 10 and 30 customers at one time. James Hemstock, Capital Deployment & Leasing Director at Prologis UK said: “Flexibility is something that we know businesses of all shapes and sizes are looking for when they lease warehousing space, especially to help with demand spikes throughout the year. Flexxtra is something we’ve been working with Visku on for quite some time and we’re certain it’ll bring something new – and much-needed – to the logistics property market. We hope to be the incubator space for UK PLC’s next big success story.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Brookfield and Logistik Service joint venture to launch major logistics development in Ontígola, Spain

Brookfield and Logistik Service joint venture to launch major logistics development in Ontígola, Spain

Brookfield and Logistik Service, through their joint venture agreement to build high-quality logistics space, have initiated the development of a c.850,000 square foot logistics platform in central Spain. The agreement includes the option to further expand the warehouse space by c.300,000 square foot.  The new site is located in the municipality of Ontígola and is expected to be in full operation by the summer of 2025.   The warehouse will consist of c.850,000 square foot of built area on a plot of c.1.4 million square feet in the Dehesa de la Plata industrial estate. The space will have 75 loading bays, a 35-metre manoeuvring area and a free height of 13.70 metres. The building also has state-of-the-art offices, ample parking spaces for vehicles and trailers, as well as LEED GOLD & WELL GOLD environmental certificates.   The platform is well-located in the industrial estate of Ontígola, which is an important logistics hub due to its close proximity to Andalusia and Levante. In addition, it is located 45 minutes from Madrid and Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport and represents the consolidation of Ontígola as a major logistics centre in the south of Madrid. A number of leading multi-national companies are operating their logistics in the area.  Proequity, a leading consultancy firm in real estate operations, also participated together with CBRE in the formation of the joint venture between Brookfield and Logistik Service, and has been the consultancy firm that has closed this operation with regard to the leasing of the logistics warehouse.  According to Alberto Nin Garaizabal, Managing Director, Brookfield: “As one of the largest developments in Spain this year, the project highlights our commitment to building high-quality logistics assets in the country and delivering scaled solutions for our partner tenants. The Ontigola area is extremely well connected, and this new platform will support the economic growth of the area and create jobs for the local community.”  Javier Muniesa de Caveda, Development Director of Logistik Service, added: “This project is an important milestone for our company in its aim to become the reference company in the Spanish logistics real estate market. This is the culmination of several years of logistics development and the construction of warehouses in this municipality, which reinforces its position as one of the key hubs for logistics activities in our country”. Daniel Galache, partner of Proequity, explains that “Beyond the obvious fact that this is a very important project, not only for all those involved but also on a national market level, we are very proud to have done our bit by demonstrating our capacity to respond to the increasingly demanding needs of our clients in the real estate market”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Global automotive parts supplier set to expand operations with new HQ at Goodman’s Bedford Commercial Park

Global automotive parts supplier set to expand operations with new HQ at Goodman’s Bedford Commercial Park

Comline Group, a global automotive parts supplier known for its Comline, Motaquip and Allied Nippon brands, is set to relocate its UK headquarters to Goodman’s Bedford Commercial Park.  Following significant business growth, the company will occupy 70,000 sq ft of modern, high-bay warehousing and contemporary office space, supporting plans to expand its operations and strengthen its service offering to customers across the world. Strategically located, just seven miles from Junction 13 of the M1, Bedford Commercial Park is ideally situated to provide a highly efficient distribution and logistics operation. Just 30 miles from Greater London it offers excellent connectivity, reducing delivery times and placing 90% of the country within a four-hour drive. The high-capacity and efficient building design will not only maximise internal storage volumes but will see Comline Group realise significant efficiency gains in picking and packing customer orders. This includes an extensive product range of almost 14,000 parts, spanning 46 different product categories. Delivered to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification and achieving an A+ energy performance rating, the new facility will support the business in reducing its energy use. It features a maximised rooftop system of solar PV, electric vehicle (EV) charging points and infrastructure for future EV fleets, all helping to reduce its operational carbon footprint. The move signifies an exciting new era for the company as it targets future growth across its network of UK motor factor customers, owned subsidiaries in Greece, Ireland and Spain, and distribution partners in more than 50 countries worldwide. Comline Group Managing Director, Ishan Kamdar, commented:  “Our relocation is momentous for the Comline Group business and marks the beginning of an inspiring new chapter. New headquarters represent not only a physical expansion but the opportunity to take every aspect of our business to new heights.” As one of the most significant growth areas in the country, Bedford benefits from a large local labour pool and excellent transport links. With specialisation in the advanced engineering, food manufacturing and technology sectors, the area is home to global companies such as Unilever, Richardson International and Fujifilm, and continues to provide an attractive base for businesses across a range of industries.  Nigel Dolan, Development Director at Goodman, said: “We’re excited to be working with Comline Group as it enters its next phase of growth. With fast access to more than 30 million consumers within a two-hour drive, Bedford Commercial Park’s strategic location will support the business to achieve greater supply chain efficiencies and continue to provide the high levels of customer service the brand has built itself upon.”   Phase 2 at Bedford Commercial Park is now fully let, with Comline Group set to join global customers Amazon and Expeditors, as well as Bedford Borough Council’s innovative i-Worx Engineering Hub, which provides modern workshop space for start-ups and expanding local businesses.  Mayor Tom Wootton of Bedford Borough Council added: “It’s fantastic that another growing organisation chose Bedford Borough as its home. The Council has played a part by utilising its assets and directly supporting the business to relocate to Bedford. Any opportunity for business growth is always a positive indicator of the Council’s open for business position, which I champion.  “Our strategic location, excellent infrastructure and skilled workforce will continue to make it a desirable location for investors. The Council will continue to work relentlessly to attract high value businesses to the borough.” To find out more about the remaining opportunities at the next phases of Bedford Commercial Park, please visit the website for further details. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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