Housing factory set to create new jobs in Walsall
A DERELICT factory in Walsall is to be transformed into a new manufacturing facility creating 30 new jobs.
The Accord Group plans to turn the building in Stephenson Road, Beechdale, into a facility producing sustainable timber housing.
The housing association has appointed Jason Powell to manage the plant. Mr Powell had been working for a timber frame manufacturer in Birmingham and prior to that worked for Land Rover in Solihull.
Once working at full capacity, the new factory is expected to manufacture enough panels to build 200 bungalows and houses each year.
Mr Powell said: “No other housing association in the country is producing its own home in this way so it’s very exciting to be part of a something so unique.
“These homes will be environmentally friendly, low carbon and hopefully save people who live in them money on their energy bills. These really are the homes of the future being built in a region with a proud manufacturing heritage.”
Cllr Adrian Andrew, Walsall’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Safeguarding jobs and creating new jobs is one of this administration’s priorities and to see steps forward take shape on this site is a source of considerable pride to me.
“We are leading the way with a development like this and I’m proud at the way we are working together with Accord on this.”
The Accord Group, which manages more than 11,000 homes across the Midlands, has already built three developments using low carbon timber homes, importing the panels from Norway. Energy bills for these homes cost on average 50% less than traditionally built properties of the same size.
Chris Handy, chief executive of Accord Group, said: “This innovative initiative will create much needed jobs and help regenerate this area Walsall.”
The venture has been welcomed by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.
Mike Dell, chamber president, said “The chamber is delighted the Accord project is coming into fruition. Their investment will contribute significantly to the local area; not only will the hub create jobs, but it will enhance manufacturing in Walsall and input to our ultimate goal of making the Black Country the centre of the industrialised world once again.”
