Engineering company overcomes lack of capacity by building a new headquarters

James Compton, of SP+M (left) with Jamie White, of Exactaform

A Coventry tooling company has found a solution for a lack of capacity at its premises – by building a new one.

Exactaform, which is currently based at the Little Heath Industrial Estate, employs 55 staff and supplies a range of sectors including major players in the automotive and aerospace industries such as Ford and Airbus.

The company has ambitious growth plans that will take it to 150 staff over the next five years and has already outgrown its current premises.

The firm is therefore investing in a new 43,000 sq ft industrial unit – including office space, an on-site gym and canteen – at Prologis Park, in the north of the city.

The unit, being built by Greswolde Construction, is set for completion in July. The building will initially be split into two and 21,000 sq ft will be made available to let through Shortland Penn + Moore (SP+M) on a short-term lease.

Exactaform will occupy the other half and will then take on the full building in around five years’ time when it is expected to have reached its initial growth target.

Jamie White, who runs Exactaform with Peter Raynor under the guidance of owner and founder John Inglis, said there were several reasons why the firm had opted to build its own headquarters.

The initial problem was that there was very little available property that suited the firm’s requirements.

“Building our own, therefore, allows to expand into a new unit now and also means we can plan for future growth,” said Mr White.

“By incorporating elements such as a gym and canteen – coupled with a lovely landscaped location – we can also help to compete for and attract staff. That’s very important to us because we are a skilled workforce and understand that we need to offer a great working environment. We are even employing an interior designer to make sure we get that side of things right.

“Finally, we want to give the right impression to our customers. We are growing our market share all the time and clients like the fact that we are a family-run company that still offers very strong customer service with a personal touch.”

James Compton, of SP+M, said the available space would spark very strong interest.

“As Exactaform know only too well, there is a shortage of quality industrial space in the region so the 21,000 sq ft that they are making available to let should attract potential occupiers,” he said.

“It’s great to see a company in the area expanding in this way and also factoring in future growth – that has to be good news for the regional economy.”

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