Adhesives manufacturer sticks to expansion plan

A West Midlands manufacturer has expanded its operation after securing a new lease.

Chemique Adhesives has expanded into a dedicated production facility in Aldridge to enable it to pursue growth.
 
The expansion, which will enable the firm to respond to demand for the next 10 years, has seen the appointment of three new staff with plans for a further five over the next two years.

Founded in 1985, the firm supplies a wide range of clients including those involved in furniture manufacturing, transportation and construction.

Stuart Francis, managing director, said having been based in Aldridge since it began, the firm was keen to stay in the area rather than relocate.

It did not have to look far; its new 15,000 sq ft production facility is within walking distance of its existing units on the Empire Close industrial estate.

“Whilst the proximity to our existing units and the floor-space, which is sufficient to house our new equipment and support our increased production levels, ticked all the necessary boxes, the planning status of the unit did not suit our intended use,” said Mr Francis.

“The fact that it had been previously used as a distribution facility actually meant that we could not automatically use it for our business without first seeking permission to change its use to manufacturing.”
 
The planning hurdle was overcome with the help of its legal adviser, FBC Manby Bowdler.
 
Since gaining access to the new unit, Chemique Adhesives has carried out an extensive programme of renovation to include the installation of a new mezzanine floor and a comprehensive office refit in preparation for a new Technical Development Centre and Engineering Division.  It has also been fully equipped with new machinery worth over £300,000.
 
Andy Ward, a solicitor at FBC’s Commercial Property team, said: “Stuart and his team recognised early on that their growing business would need to physically expand into larger premises if they were to keep up with production requirements both now and in the future.  However, with their heritage in Aldridge they were keen to stay nearby.
 
“Identifying there was an additional unit of the necessary size within close proximity to their existing base provided an ideal solution but came with planning obstacles.  However, given that there’s been a relationship between Chemique Adhesives and FBC Manby Bowdler for 10 years, we could quickly and effectively mobilise our planning experts, whilst reassuring Stuart with familiar faces.”

Pictured from left: Stuart Francis, manging director, Chemique Adhesives, Suzanne Tucker, FBC Manby Bowdler, Andy Ward, FBC Manby Bowlder and Michael McMullen, CEO, Chemique Adhesives.

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