WJ South West Limited, a specialist road-marking company in the UK, is expanding its South West operations with a move to new-build facilities in Summerfield’s Westpark 26.
WJ, which has six depots across the UK, will relocate its South West base from Taunton to a 9,700 sq ft facility at the Wellington business park. The new facility is being designed and built by property developer Summerfield with work on site having recently commenced.
The standalone facility will include 2,250 sq ft of mezzanine office space for WJ’s South West team of 43 employees, with room to accommodate the company’s planned 30% expansion in staff once the relocation process is complete.
Along with offices, the interesting design, which features a barrel roof and enhanced elevations, will house vehicle maintenance areas, equipment storage, a canteen and staff support services. A large service yard will also provide storage space and parking for WJ’s fleet of specialist vehicles.
The move to Westpark 26 comes on the back of WJ’s ongoing, national expansion that has seen the company grow its range of niche road products and services. These include permanent and temporary road markings, road studs, high friction and safety surfacing, and asphalt repair.
WJ’s take-up of the development at Westpark 26 follows a recent surge in demand for space at Summerfield’s business park, which offers a wide range of industrial, office, storage and trade counter units from 713 sq ft to 100,000 sq ft to suit a variety of requirements.
To date, three buildings providing 40 terrace employment units have been completed at the park with the fourth, Block Z, currently under construction. It consists of 18 units, of which only three remain available (ranging from 1,005 sq ft to 1,525 sq ft).
Nigel Hounslow, director at Summerfield, commented: “WJ South West’s decision to relocate to Westpark 26 is a further vindication of the park’s premier facilities and strategic location, which is a stone’s throw from J26 of the M5.
“What’s more, it is hugely encouraging that WJ is relocating in order to expand its business here in the South West with the creation of 10 or more new jobs. That is excellent news for the region and should help to further boost business confidence in Somerset.”
Terry Trevelyan, managing director at WJ South West, said: “Locating a facility that meets all our requirements has been no easy task, but the development at Westpark 26 ticks every single box. As well as offering quality offices and excellent site facilities, the building offers ample space for our workshops and a service yard that comfortably meets our storage and vehicle requirements for our planned phase of growth.
“The prospect of having purpose-built, bespoke premises boasting a range of eco-friendly installations on such a prestigious site close to the M5 is both exciting and gratifying. WJ very much look forward to joining Westpark 26’s thriving business community and offering local employment opportunities during 2015 and beyond.”
WJ’s new base is due to complete in August 2015, and the team will relocate as soon as the building is ready.
