A Redditch training company has doubled in size after expanding into the unit next door.
SWAT Gas Services Ltd, 18 Dunlop Road, Hunt End, has taken Unit 20 in a deal advised by property agents John Truslove.
The family firm, which has been 15 years in the town and employs eight full time staff plus some part-timers, is now looking to add to job numbers.
The training and assessment centre has around 750 clients going through a year, most seeking to qualify as Gas Safe Register engineers.
Also offering solid fuel and oil-fired expertise, it is now set to grow further the number of courses it can offer including smart metering and Legionella water training.
Managing director Chris Smith said: “Smart meters are going to be particularly important as, following on from EU directives, the government is pushing ahead with their introduction for all domestic properties.
“These meters will allow for ‘real time’ communication of both gas and electric consumption using a wireless network from the customer’s premises back to the energy provider. By the end of 2020, around 50 million smart meters will be fitted in over 26 million households across England, Scotland and Wales.”
He added: “Legionella can be a killer so it is absolutely vital people are trained to deal with the threat.”
Ben Truslove, a director of John Truslove, said: “This is a company which has a proud record of achievement in Redditch.
“It meets a vital need and with the new smart meters coming in I am sure its services will be in ever increasing demand.”
SWAT Gas Services Ltd has signed a five year lease on 2,378 sq ft of space.
The company invested a “significant sum” customising what was an empty building to its specific needs.