German manufacturer set to create 20 new jobs in move to the West Midlands

A GERMAN household appliance developer and manufacturer has opened its new UK base in the West Midlands, ahead of a recruitment drive to create 20 new jobs.

Vorwerk, headquartered in Wuppertal, has set up a base in a 1,700 sq ft office in Balsall Common, Solihull, next door to the Heart of England School.

The company, which has an annual turnover of €3bn, is also preparing for a new product launch, which is scheduled for June.

The company manufactures household electrical items including vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances.

It plans to use the new base to recruit and train a team of field-based Product Advisors ahead of launch of its new VK200 vacuum cleaner.

The firm counts Channel 4’s ‘Obsessive, Compulsive Cleaners’ star, Hayley Leitch – who attended the launch of the new office – amongst its brand ambassadors.

It is now looking to create 20 new jobs, with additional employment opportunities set to follow across the West Midlands and the wider area as it continues its expansion across the UK.

Eric McClenaghan, former chief executive and owner of the UK division of cosmetics company Oriflame, will oversee the launch of the VK200 vacuum cleaner in the UK. He will also head up team recruitment and development for the UK sales force.

Mr McClenaghan said the offices strategic location at the heart of the UK had been a principal factor in its decision to set up in Balsall Common. He said it was convenient to both Coventry and Birmingham, while transport connections made it accessible to the rest of the country.

“We are looking to establish a pioneering team of Product Advisors across the Midlands to help us deliver the UK launch of the new VK200 in June, and I’m confident that the flexible working patterns we offer will appeal to those who need to fit work around other commitments,” he said.