Land deal paves way for build of pharmaceuticals manufacturer’s new HQ
KWB has helped source land that will see fast growing pharmaceuticals manufacturer Sterling Pharmaceuticals build a new 40,000 sq ft headquarters at St Modwen’s Longbridge Business Park.
Sterling Pharmaceuticals specialises in the development and large-batch production of non-sterile oral liquids as well as solid dosage forms such as capsules and tablets. The company also manufactures bespoke ‘unlicensed’ medicines to cater for patients whose medical needs were unmet by licensed medications in the UK through its ‘Sterling Specials’ brand.
The pharma company appointed Kenny Allan at KWB and David MacMullen of MacMullen Associates, to find a suitable parcel of land after outgrowing its existing R&D and manufacturing sites in Moseley, Birmingham. MacMullen Associates is also advising on the building’s design, planning and construction.
Kenny Allan, head of Industrial at KWB, said: “Following an extensive search for freehold land in the south west of Birmingham, I’m delighted we have found this site at Longbridge Business Park. The park is fast becoming a hub for leading science, technology, medicine, precision engineering and R&D sectors and offers staff excellent facilities and transport links.”
David MacMullen, managing director of MacMullen Associates added: “Sterling’s new base will be an innovative, state of the art facility enabling them to both manufacture and distribute pharmaceuticals. We look forward to working with Sterling to submit a planning application after Christmas, with a view to construction starting in late 2024.”
Dr Qamar Nawaz, chief executive at Sterling Pharmaceuticals, added: “KWB and MacMullen Associates have done a great job in sourcing the land in a difficult market which will support the next exciting phase of growth for our family business. The new space will enable us to take on a significant number of new extra staff, bringing our eventual workforce to around 150 – nearly all in highly skilled jobs.”
Elliot Sellars, development director at St. Modwen, added: “As regeneration at Longbridge continues at pace, it is encouraging to see industry leading businesses like Sterling Pharmaceuticals choose this developing location as their base for operations, and providing jobs of the highest quality following our major investment in remediating the West Longbridge site.”
