HydraForce begins work on new plant at Advanced Manufacturing Hub
BIRMINGHAM-based manufacturer HydraForce Hydraulics has begun work on its new factory at the city’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub.
The AMH is a joint initiative between the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Birmingham City Council, and the work has proceeded after a deal to acquire the land was completed by real estate advisor Savills.
HydraForce is creating a 120,000 sq ft manufacturing facility where around 500 staff will be based from August 2015. It received a £1.8m grant from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund towards the purchase of the 6.7 acre site in Aston, which was one of the assets the HCA assumed responsibility for following the demise of former regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands.
Charles Spicer, associate director of industrial at Savills, said: “It is fantastic to see a major global business such as HydraForce choose the AMH for its European headquarters. We are anticipating high levels of interest in the remaining development sites there as Birmingham’s industrial market continues to thrive.”
HydraForce president John Brizzolara, who flew to the UK especially for the ground breaking ceremony, said: “We are delighted to witness this new stage of growth for our company in Europe. Over 30% of our products are sold into the growing agricultural equipment sector and 80% of HydraForce’s UK output is exported.”
Cllr Tahir Ali, Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for development, transportation and the economy, said HydraForce’s decision to build its new facility at the AMH was testament to the strength of the city’s advanced manufacturing sector.
“It shows that our approach of targeting key growth sectors at particular sites continues to deliver new jobs and investment. We will be working closely with the company to ensure that the 200 new job opportunities being created are targeted at local people,” he said.
Savills is marketing two further sites at the AMH, which can accommodate units of circa 50,000 sq ft and 130,000 sq ft. Each 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.
