New manufacturing hub for Olympic torch firm

THE firm behind the 2012 Olympic torch has relocated its manufacturing facilities across Coventry to a new secret location.

Premier Group has taken a 19,000 sq ft unit on a business park to house a state-of-the-art dedicated laser facility.

Its headquarters remain in Exhall, north east of Coventry, where its previous manufacturing base was.

It is making the 800mm-high torch which is perforated by 8,000 circles in an inner and outer shell and next year will be carried 8,000 miles around the UK by 8,000 torchbearers over 70 days.

The unit was let by consultancy and agent Lambert Smith Hampton and will be the only one in the UK containing a particular type of high-speed 2D and 3D laser cutting machines.

It will act as a showcase for the machines’ manufacturers Prima Power and also house meeting facilities.

Premier Group managing director Denis Meagher said: “I am delighted this new facility marks the start of our planned programme of development – even if currently its location has to remain under wraps due to the nature of the work being carried out there.”

LSH acted jointly with commercial property agency North Rae Sanders on behalf of Aberdeen Asset Managers.

Cris Maxim, from its Birmingham-based industrial team, added: “We are pleased to have been able to let the facility to a company involved in such a landmark project as the Olympic torch.”