Moog move moves a step nearer

MOVES by aerospace group Moog to relocate its Wolverhampton flight controls operation from its existing base in Wobaston Road to a brand new facility on the city’s i54 business park have taken a step forward with the exchange of contracts on the development deal.

The project involves constructing a 190,000 sq ft purpose-built facility – with an additional 50,000 sq ft available for future expansion – and transferring activities to the nearby, new i54 site, off Wobaston Road, by September 2012. The move will safeguard approximately 400 jobs for the region.

A planning application for the new factory, which will house design, development and manufacturing facilities, will be considered by South Staffordshire District Council on November 9.

Joseph H Bell, vice-president of Acquisition Integration at Moog, said: “This is a key strategic move for Moog, providing the opportunity to build a first class facility which will allow us to support and build on our market leading position.”

Advantage West Midlands chief executive Mick Laverty said: “The fact that a high-value company like Moog wants to stay in the region is very welcome news indeed.

“Our aim now is that other cutting edge companies will follow their lead, recognising the value of moving to the i54 site with its strategic transport links via the M54, as well as close proximity to leading universities and highly skilled workforce.”

Wolverhampton City Council leader Cllr Neville Patten said: “The exchange of contracts marks a major milestone for the company, this site and indeed the city.

“It goes some considerable way to sealing Wolverhampton’s reputation as a first class destination for aerospace.”

Birmingham developer Stoford has made the application to build the new facility for Moog, while Birmingham based Fusion Building Consultancy has been advising Moog.

Local industrial and commercial property consultancy Bulleys has been advising Advantage West Midlands.