ISP (‘International Security Printers’) has announced it has secured a 5 acre site at i54 South Staffordshire in a move which marks a bold new chapter for the Walsall-based company. Work will begin later this month on the site at i54, the 220 acre business park on the boundary of South Staffordshire and Wolverhampton, which is part of the Black Country Enterprise Zone, and the location for Jaguar Land Rover’s new engine facility, aerospace company MOOG and laboratory firm Eurofins.
ISP is constructing a 70,000 sq ft state-of-the art high technology printing facility, and at a later stage intends to expand the premises by 30,000 sq ft to meet increased demand. ISP’s core business is in printing self-adhesive stamps, with over 60% of production destined for export markets, including Europe and Japan. The company is intending to relocate its workforce of 80 from current premises at Midland Road in Walsall to the new premises once the building is finished next year.
Speaking about ISP’s forthcoming move, Paul White Managing Director said:
“This is a major investment and key strategic acquisition for the company. The new manufacturing premises on the prestigious i54 site, coupled with an ambitious programme of investment in state of the art printing technologies will provide us with a firm foundation from which to expand our business operations. The proximity of the site to key transportation networks will be invaluable in efficiently servicing our UK, European and global clients.”
Director of industrial agency at GBR Phoenix Beard Christian Smith was appointed by ISP to identify and secure new premises:
“ISP’s search for premises began with a request to identify a suitable 70,000 sq ft industrial unit. As we worked more closely with the directors and built a deeper understanding of their business plans, it became clear that a greenfield option would be a better long term fit for the company’s real estate requirements. This is an ambitious and progressive company, competing on a worldwide stage, and so i54, with its high calibre infrastructure, combined with superb accessibility, provides a perfect launchpad for this next chapter of the company’s development. There is immense pressure on the industrial property market in the Midlands, driven largely by a revival in the fortunes of the manufacturing sector in the region. With fewer high quality existing units available, we anticipate a marked increase in companies looking to build bespoke premises on both greenfield and brownfield sites.”
Noel Muscutt, Partner of Bulleys, marketing agents at i54 for the vendor, said:
“This transaction is at an important time, adding to the significant momentum that has been created at i54 South Staffordshire. ISP are a welcome addition as a high quality manufacturing company to the development”.
MacMullen will oversee the Design and Build of the unit. MacMullen’s David MacMullen said:
“By early appointment of professionals and with careful co-ordination we were able to finalise ISP’s design, obtain planning permission and appoint a contractor, to meet ISP’s demanding timescales.”
The building has been designed by Wolverhampton architects Tweedale and will be constructed by A & H Construction of Halesowen.