German transport giant unveils plans to open Manchester manufacturing facility

A global trailer maker is opening a factory in Manchester to manufacture units to serve the UK and Ireland, creating up to 50 jobs.

The deal was sealed after Knight Frank and South Street Capital let the first phase of refurbished space at Southmoor Park, Wythenshawe to German-based transport firm Schmitz Cargobull.

The global trailer company has taken the whole of Block A – a high bay facility offering 95,040 sq ft – on a 10-year lease with a five-year break.

Asset managers South Street Capital will now embark on a full refurbishment of Block A3/4 to create up to 83,000 sq ft which will be complete by the third quarter this year.

Rob Tilley, partner, industrial and logistics, Knight Frank, Manchester, said: “The transformation of Block A with an eye catching refurbishment attracted a lot of market attention and we are very pleased to have secured a tenant of this calibre for our client.

“Going forward we anticipate there to be similar demand when the remainder of the space comes to market later this year.

“There is a shortage of quality space in well connected locations, especially so close to Manchester Airport, and with industrial/logistics buildings of this size scarce in established spaces like Southmoor Park.”

Paul Avery, from Schmitz Cargobull, said: “After many weeks of searching for the right property, Knight Frank introduced us to Southmoor and it ticked all of our boxes, size, access, location etc, and I am really pleased that we able to complete our tenancy agreement in good time.

“I am delighted to be able to bring some employment to this area and look forward to many years of success”

Helen Macrow, director at South Street Capital, said: “We are delighted to welcome Schmitz Cargobull to Southmoor Industrial Estate.

“Further refurbishment is planned at Southmoor to continue to improve the quality of accommodation available in South Manchester.”

Knight Frank and William’s Sillitoe acted for the landlord and Schmitz Cargobull was un-represented.

Schmitz Cargobull chief executive, Andreas Schmitz, said: “The UK is a key transport and logistics market and an important semi-trailer and rigid truck market for us.

“With the new plant we are moving closer to our customers and ensuring that we can address their needs offering the most reliable chassis and a proven local body.”

Production at the 7,500 sq m facility is scheduled to start this summer with a capacity of 50 units per week including freepost curtainsiders and box van semi-trailers.

The site will also contain a 1,000 sq m spare parts warehouse for local supply and by the end of this year will become the main base for the complete Schmitz Cargobull UK team.

The new operation joins an extensive Schmitz Cargobull production network including German facilities in Vreden, Altenberge, Gotha and Toddin, as well as bases in Lithuania, Russia, Spain, Turkey and Australia.

Boris Billich, director of sales at Schmitz Cargobull, said: “We want to support transport companies in the UK and Ireland in a best possible way with our comprehensive range of reliable and innovative transport solutions.

“This includes vehicles with market specific features, shortest possible delivery times, an extensive 24/7 spare parts supply, as well as our proven range of services from financing to telematics and used vehicle sales.”