A leading engineering company is expanding its operations with the acquisition of its first Welsh depot.
Barden Network Engineering Limited, which has three depots in England and over 180 employees, has acquired unit two in Cyfarthfa Industrial Estate in Merthyr Tydfil.
South-Wales based Commercial agents Herbert R Thomas acted on behalf of Barden Network to secure the 26,000 sqft industrial unit. Lambert Smith Hampton acted for the vendor Hansteen.
The company is establishing a new base in Wales after being appointed on behalf of Carillion to roll out superfast broadband throughout areas in Wales.
As part of the expansion, over 25 new jobs have been created with further positions planned.
Barden Network has previously been responsible for rolling out broadband to areas of South East Wales and has done so from its Bristol depot.
A need for a Welsh base was identified when Barden Network’s geographical remit was doubled to include Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf. This is part of the Welsh Government’s plan to deliver superfast broadband to 96% of premises in Wales by the end of 2016.
Kevin Morris, managing director of Barden Network, said: “We’re delighted to have secured a depot in Wales, and Merthyr in particular, and we’re thrilled that Herbert R Thomas was able to secure the ideal property for our expansion. By having such a central and local base, it will enable us to install superfast broadband more efficiently as travelling time will be minimised.
“The depot is part of our long term investment in Wales. We have already tapped into the Welsh employment market by creating over 25 jobs. We also feel it is important to use local suppliers, such as builders, which will hopefully help the local economy. We’re looking forward to an exciting future in Wales.”
John Jones of Herbert R Thomas, said: “We’re extremely pleased to have been able to help Barden Network secure their first Welsh depot. Merthyr Tydfil is well placed to suit the company’s requirements and the warehouse itself is the ideal space to grow the company. Securing the new premise for Barden Network is the latest in the list of acquisition instructions we currently have from retained companies looking to buy or let property in South Wales.”
Founded in 1926, Herbert R Thomas is a multi-discipline property agency specialising in residential sales and lettings, commercial property transactions, property development, auctions and agricultural services.
Established for over 25 years, Barden Network’s HQ is in Wotten-Under-Edge with depots in Honiton, Grampound Road and now Merthyr. It specialises in cable installation jointing and splicing on the copper and fibre network.