Harris Lamb advises on freehold Cannock industrial purchase for grating design and manufacturing specialist

Commercial agents at Harris Lamb have acquired a freehold industrial property in Cannock on behalf of a market-leading grating specialist.

The business was instructed by Lichtgitter UK to identify a suitable headquarters site for the West Midlands-based design and manufacturer, which has been operating for over 30 years and has overseen high-profile projects including installations at the Olympic Stadium, Wimbledon and Heathrow Terminal 5.

Matthew Tilt, who oversaw the market search and acquisition on Lichtgitter’s behalf, said: “As the business’ reputation and customer-base has expanded, so too did its property requirements, and we were instructed to identify and acquire a well-appointed industrial site where the company could base its operations.

“Having undertaken an extensive search of the market, we identified the former Autosmart International site on Walsall Road in Cannock as a desirable opportunity for the business. A freehold warehouse set on a 2.99-acre plot, the property comprises of a 45,360 industrial unit with a 5.5-metre minimum eaves height, two-storey offices, a staff room/canteen area, and ancillary and mezzanine space.

“Located within proximity to the M6, M6 Toll and M54, the site, which also incorporates a 60-metre yard and 40 marked car parking spaces, is well-located for the UK motorway network, and with just 31% site coverage, it provides ample room for the business’ future growth.

“Further to our Building Consultancy team undertaking a pre-acquisition survey to ensure the site was suitable for Lichtgitter’s purposes, our Planning team secured a change of use planning consent to permit B2 Industrial use,” he added.

“With industrial opportunities being in high demand throughout the Midlands, suitable freehold sites are extremely hard to come by and we are thrilled to have successfully seen this acquisition through to completion.

Lichtgitter was originally founded as a standard panel outlet to the stock holding trade, but has since expanded to provide a ready-made facility of finished gratings and stair treads. The business’ expertise, and state-of-the-art automated CAD/CAM technology, has secured its reputation as market leaders in the design and manufacture of both standard and specialised gratings.

The Walsall Road site is now being fully prepared for Lichtgitter to take occupation.

JLL acted for the seller.