Historic firm renovates former school for new HQ

Wedge Group Galvanizing, the largest hot-dip galvanizing firm in the UK, has renovated an historic former school in Willenhall just yards from the site on which it was founded nearly 150 years ago for its new headquarters.

The multi-million pound development project, which will deliver modern offices and facilities, was opened on Friday.

Chris Woolridge, managing director of Wedge Group Galvanizing, said: “Our new headquarters are on the very street where the foundations of our business began.

“The former Central School has been derelict for more than a decade, but our investment will see this historic site given a brand new lease of life and the opportunity to be a revered landmark in the community once again.

“Next year, we’ll celebrate 150 years since John Wedge began a galvanizing operation in Willenhall and what better way to do that than by continuing his legacy in new headquarters.”

Michael Bates, director of architecture at Wolverhampton-based Tweedale, said: “This has been a fantastic project to be involved in because of the challenge of creating a design that complements and enhances elements of the existing locally-listed building in a conservation area; respecting its history and key features.

“The design provides a contemporary, first class working environment and will give the building a new life for many years to come.”