GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, announced today that is has let the entirety of G-Park Bedford Wixams to MH Star. The major new lease encompasses over 530,000 sq ft. of space across three newly developed buildings which remain under construction. This is MH
GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks has today announced that it is to develop a 136,000 SQ FT manufacturing facility and distribution centre for leading UK composite door manufacturer Solidor on the final plot at its G-Park Stoke development in Stoke-on-Trent. Solidor, part of
GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, announced today that is has let the entirety of G-Park Bedford Wixams to MH Star. The major new lease encompasses over 530,000 sq ft. of space across three newly developed buildings which remain under construction. This is MH Star’s first lease with GLP in the UK having previously leased space with the company in Spain. G-Park Bedford Wixams is being developed on a speculative basis by GLP and comprises three buildings of 125,000 sq ft., 160,000 sq ft. and 250,000 sq ft. It is the largest single development in Bedfordshire and is an ideal location for logistics with easy access to both the M1 and A1. MH Star UK, a London-based ecommerce company specialising in the home, outdoors and beyond, have been building their brand reputation since 2010; in particular seeing a significant uptake in customer demand since the beginning of last year. The new development will assist with the company’s continued progress, supporting them at this key moment in ecommerce where both customer and key chain demand increases at an exceedingly fast-paced rate. MH Star UK has experienced rapid growth over the last year, accelerated by the consumer shift to e-commerce following the Covid-19 pandemic. The development was undertaken in response to unprecedented demand stemming from the continued growth of ecommerce and a need for increased supply chain resilience. The construction of G-Park Bedford Wixams forms part of GLP’s ongoing expansion plan across the UK and Europe. In the UK, GLP recently announced the development of a further 2.3 million sq ft of space across a range of sites in addition to the 1 million sq ft of space announced in January. As with all GLP developments, industry-leading sustainability features are delivered as standard including 12% less embodied carbon than industry standard and 15% less operational carbon in day-to-day operations. The buildings have been developed to a BREEAM Excellent rating and are WELL ready. Adrienne Howells, Development Director, GLP said: “This year is one of the busiest that GLP has had in its history. Over the course of this year, GLP will be on site developing over 3 million sq. ft. of warehouse space across the UK. This landmark letting of all three buildings at G-Park Bedford Wixams, ahead of practical completion, speaks to the continued strength of the logistics real estate market and the quality of the space that GLP produces. Our focus remains to deliver on our ambitious development programme to continue to support customers like MH star. We look forward to working with them as they occupy these three exceptional-quality buildings.” Arvind Panchmatia, General Manager, MH Star added: “As more consumers adapt their spending habits and shift to e-commerce, it has been increasingly important for us to source high-quality warehousing solutions so that we can effectively respond to ever-increasing demand. G-Park Wixams delivered on every aspect, from modern, flexible office spaces to renewable energy provisions and welfare facilities for employees. “It has been a pleasure working with GLP, and we are delighted to be leasing all the units at the scheme. This new site will put us in a strong position to drive forward MH Star UK’s expansion as the business continues to grow and evolve.” Knight Frank acted for MH Star whilst Cushman & Wakefield, Savills, Brown & Lee acted for GLP.
GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks has today announced that it is to develop a 136,000 SQ FT manufacturing facility and distribution centre for leading UK composite door manufacturer Solidor on the final plot at its G-Park Stoke development in Stoke-on-Trent. Solidor, part of the Masonite group, have signed have signed a 15-year lease on the development which is expected to be available for occupation by the start of Q4 2021. The development is expected to create additional jobs from within the local community. Built to Solidor’s detailed specifications, the new factory will combine Solidor’s current production and storage facilities into a single world-class manufacturing hub plant. It features a best-in-class specification that includes 15 metres clear internal height, four dock doors and six level access doors. Adrienne Howells, Development Director, GLP, said: “We are very happy to welcome Solidor into our expanding customer community and onto the final plot at our successful G-Park Stoke development. Solidor is a leader in the UK composite door market and a company with firm roots in Stoke so we are pleased to be working in close partnership and to support the growth needs of such a successful homegrown brand. “Together, we are targeting Planet Mark certification for the new site, a mark of integrity when it comes to sustainability. The ambition is for the building to achieve up to 15% lower carbon emissions compared with the average UK factory.” Neil Bancroft, operations director and site lead, Solidor, said: “This move will allow us to scale up our production and improve lead-times for our customers. By combining five facilities under one roof we will be able to remove legacy parts of production that don’t add value and bring in new automated processes that are simply not achievable at our current locations. “It has given the operations team the opportunity to create a world class facility that will work both now and as we continue to grow in the future.” “The existing workforce was a key consideration when choosing the new facility. The success of the business has been built on the loyal and flexible team we have in place, and over the coming months everyone will play a key part in the transfer and design of our new production operation,” explained Neil. “Over 85% of our staff live within the local community and it was critical that the location of our new home reflected the importance of this to us as a business. It is also expected that a number of new roles will be created both in the short and long-term future.” Jason Hughes, Masonite’s UK facilities manager, added: “As a manufacturer, we know we can have a huge impact when it comes to sustainability. This project represents an important step as we make our UK production processes and buildings more efficient.” The company will use the final few months of 2021 to install new equipment and improve IT processes before commencing a phased transfer of all its employees in January 2022. Also commenting, Cllr Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “This is fantastic news – our small but mighty city continues to go from strength-to-strength and to bounce back more swiftly than other major cities. It’s fantastic to see Stoke-on-Trent businesses such as Solidor growing and expanding here. It’s in part because of businesses like Solidor that we’re number three for jobs growth in Britain right now.” “Stoke-on-Trent is well and truly powering up, and I’m looking forward to the months and years ahead as we lift the city out of lockdown, focusing on transport, economic development, education and skills, and health and productivity.” G-Park Stoke is situated within an established and successful commercial area. It is home to the regional distribution operations of leading online electrical retailer AO and situated 7 miles to the west of junction 15 of the M6.
