German firm to move into Advanced Manufacturing Hub
PRECISION cutting tool manufacturer Guhring is to become the second foreign firm to move into the Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMH) in Aston, Birmingham.
The German firm, which has been based in Castle Bromwich since 1990, will use its new base to facilitate its expansion plans. It will be able to accommodate R&D and a full manufacturing process.
The £12m investment will enable Guhring – which supplies the likes of BMW, JLR, Airbus and BAE Systems – to create 50 new jobs and safeguard a further 75. It will be recruiting both skilled engineers and new entrants to the industry.
Guhring managing director Mike Dinsdale said: “The move will be a huge step forward for our UK business, which initially focused on distributing standard products all made by our parent company in Germany.
“Now we will be able to design, develop and manufacture cutting tools specific to our customers’ needs in Britain for the first time.”
Guhring has taken 3.5 acres to build a 60,000 sq ft facility. The project is being managed by property consultancy Bilfinger GVA from its central Birmingham base.
The firm follows HydaForce, a US hydraulics manufacturer, into the AMH. It is building a 120,000 sq ft facility which is expected to create more than 200 new jobs during the next five years.
Guhring hopes to move into its new facility by early 2017. The AMH is one of six economic zones in Birmingham – sites that offer tailored space and services for companies in target sectors such as advanced manufacturing.
The site was acquired from Birmingham City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The deal was secured by Savills, which acted on behalf of the landowners.
Councillor Tahir Ali, Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for development, transportation and the economy, said: “We are dedicated to supporting foreign investors as they locate or expand in Birmingham. The international firms increasing their presence here are helping to push our economy forward and create thousands of new jobs for the local workforce each year.
“Birmingham’s economic zones, such as the AMH, demonstrate how we are using key locations across the city to provide the facilities and infrastructure that companies need to thrive and contribute to the local economy.”
Anne-Marie Simpson, head of area for Midlands Central at the HCA, added: “Guhring’s new site provides the company with the right space, connectivity, workforce and infrastructure to continue its successful track record of development and growth.
“It also enables the firm to further establish itself as a valuable local employer; creating dozens of entry-level and progression opportunities for those who want to develop a career in engineering.”
