Oldbury glass firm sees growth after financing

AN Oldbury manufacturer has expanded its business after securing a new finance package. Glass Express Midlands Ltd has purchased its existing rented premises and taken two adjoining buildings after securing funding from NatWest Commercial Banking and Lombard.

The glass firm, based on the Anglo African Industrial Estate, was established by Salinder Singh in 2008 to manufacture and supply flat glass to trade customers. The company has since seen a rapid growth and now has more than 170 customers throughout the UK.

Although the business, which employs 25 people, is very successful, the company’s directors were concerned growth could be restricted by operating from short term leasehold premises.

Therefore, they approached NatWest Commercial Banking, which devised a financial package allowing the directors to purchase the existing premises together with the two adjoining buildings. Additional business support has come from Lombard.

The company now has 30,000 sq ft of factory space and is already planning on further growth having gained a number of new contracts.

The firm is also working on developing a new blind system for use in double glazed window units. The blinds go into production at the end of March and the company already has firm orders for the product.

Salinder Singh, Managing Director of the firm, said: “Because we are able to provide quality glass solutions in an efficient and professional way we have been able to expand our customer base and have gained some important national contracts. Our only limitation has come from the size of our premises and the short term lease.

“It became essential for us to invest in the company and purchase our current premises as well as the two adjoining buildings for the benefit of the business, our staff and our customers. Now with our new enlarged premises we can not only grow our flat glass business, but also new ones such as the blind system.”