Two Midlands property agents have worked together to smooth the regional expansion of Swedish automotive consultancy Haldex.
Redditch-based John Truslove and Sutton Coldfield chartered surveyors Burley Browne have advised on the firm’s property arrangements as it prepares to move to a new 25,500 sq ft bespoke facility under construction at MIRA Technology Park in Hinckley.
Burley Browne arranged the disposal of Haldex’s existing site at North Moons Moat in Redditch while John Truslove brokered a deal for its brake testing operations to switch into 28 Crossgate Road, Park Farm, in the town.
The North Moon Moat premises have been acquired by Grimsby sister companies SAL Transport and HSH Coldstores.
The existing building is being demolished and a new 90,000 sq ft coldstore will go up in its place.
Peter Browne, a director of Burley Browne, said: “It is a very significant investment and excellent news for Redditch.
“It is another boost to the town’s economy and will mean a significant number of new jobs.”
The complex will handle frozen, chilled and ambient food products, all serviced by a fleet of refrigerated lorries.
The testing centre for brake products sees Haldex take 6,179 sq ft on a three year lease.
Ben Truslove, a John Truslove partner, said: “We had to move fast once Burley Browne attracted a buyer for North Moons Moat.
“Crossgate Road was available and we managed to wrap up a deal. Being local we have a reputation for being quick on our feet and it paid off again.”
It is something of an interim arrangement for Haldex – the company specialises in safety, vehicle dynamics and environmental sustainability across the global commercial vehicle industry – with the centre expected in due course to be united with the other planned operations at the MIRA site.
Construction is under way there for what will be Haldex’s European Technical Centre.
The Technical Centre, expected to open during the final quarter of this year, will create a European research and development base for the group’s global product offer, and will include laboratory facilities as well as providing Haldex engineers direct access to MIRA’s own test facilities and engineering expertise.
Bo Annvik, President and CEO at Haldex, said: “Our new UK R&D Centre will reflect our dedication in creating innovative solutions with the highest safety standards. MIRA’s test track is one of the most used test tracks within Haldex today. With the new building in place engineering and testing will be co-located which will result in shorter development cycles and improved customer responsiveness.”
George Gillespie, CEO at MIRA Ltd, said: “Haldex is a great addition to the fast developing technology cluster within the Technology Park. By deciding to be based at MIRA Technology Park, they are placing themselves at the very heart of Europe’s automotive research and development community.”
Haldex employs more than 2,100 people worldwide and has ten production sites across North and South America, Europe and Asia.
Burley Browne acted for Haldex in the disposal to SAL.