Local employer, Scolmore Group, has secured 51,000 sq ft at IM Properties’ Mercia Park scheme at junction 11, M42.
Scolmore Group is significantly increasing the size of its warehouse space to accommodate its future growth as a major player in the electrical accessories, fire and security, and lighting markets.
The family-owned business, founded in 1989 in Tamworth and employing more than 350 people, will use the new state-of-the-art logistics centre to house the extensive and growing collection of lighting products from its Ovia lighting division.
Scolmore Group is the UK’s leading manufacturer of electrical accessories, lighting, home automation, security and cable accessory products. The Scolmore Group incorporates Click wiring accessories, Ovia lighting and lighting controls, Unicrimp cable accessories, ESP fire protection and security solutions, and Sangamo heating controls and time switches.
The Mercia 51 building, which is Net Zero Ready, BREEAM Excellent, with an EPC A rating will assist Scolmore Group in managing its own sustainability targets and uphold its reputation as a first-class employer and fulfil its wellbeing ambitions for its team.
The 12-hectares of woodland and 4k of amenity paths within Mercia Park will provide its employees with access to green outdoor areas, cycle paths, and footways.
The facility, which is scheduled to open in September, includes 10 active EV charging spaces, with passive infrastructure for another 30 and storage for up to 12 cycles.
Mike Collins, managing director of Ovia, said: “This is a big move for Scolmore Group and an exciting one too. As a proud family business and large employer in the area, investing in Mercia 51 demonstrates to our employees, customers, and the marketplace that we’re committed to the future.
“Of course, at Mercia we’re in great company with DSV and Jaguar Land Rover’s global logistics centre next door, demonstrating the quality of the employment park. It’s connectivity to the M42, Tamworth and the wider motorway network is clearly a major driver for us, allowing for fast, efficient delivery of stock in and out of the warehouse.”
Harry Goodman, development manager for IM Properties, said it was particularly satisfying to attract yet another local occupier and one which is such a success story for the area.
“We welcome the opportunity to assist in the expansion of Scolmore Group, which underlines our belief in Mercia Park as an excellent location for distribution and an important place for job creation, with over 2300 people already employed on the scheme.”
Mercia Park is one of IM Properties’ first large-scale development schemes to achieve Net Zero in Construction, and Mercia 51 raises the bar further to also be Net Zero Ready. This means the building is optimised so the occupier can achieve Net Zero in Operation.
Goodman added: “Mercia 51 was created to a level of specification which sits within our Sustainable Future’s framework and aligns with the Green Building Council (UKGBC)’s recommendations.
“The Mercia Park Community Fund has also made significant contributions to local grassroots organisations and skills and training. This aligns well with Scolmore Group’s own values, and we continue to support projects in the area.”
