A company which has built a nationwide network of lifting and access equipment branches since launching nearly 40 years ago has now completed the move of its headquarters to a £15 million business park in Hull.
The move by Windsor Materials Handling is the latest in a series of high profile relocations to The Beacon, which has been developed by the Horncastle Group over the last three years with support from the European Regional Development Fund.
Ian Hodges, Managing Director of Horncastle, said: “The decision by Windsor to relocate to The Beacon confirms the quality of the site and underlines its potential for headquarters for major organisations.
“Construction at the site is now complete and there are two remaining office opportunities available, offering 15,000 square feet in one property and 10,000 in the other, both in ideal locations and built to grade A standard with the support of the ERDF.”
Windsor Managing Director, Stephen Burton, said: “We are essentially a local business with a national presence. There are several facets to our business that are unique in our industry, not least of which is our network infrastructure.
“As an independent materials handling equipment and service provider, we needed a bespoke head office that would function well for local needs, give us a great base for training, conferences and support, plus something impressive enough for our growing list of national accounts. That’s exactly what we have.”
Windsor, which was founded in 1977, previously operated from Citadel Trading Park in Hull and worked with Garness Jones chartered surveyors on the acquisition of their new premises and the sale of the former home. David Harvey of Bridge McFarland solicitors also acted for Windsor.
The company supplies forklifts, access equipment and other products to industry and its network extends from Chelmsford and Slough in the south to East Kilbride in the north. At The Beacon, Windsor has 18,000 square feet of office, warehouse and industrial accommodation on a one-acre site. Neighbours include the City Health Care Partnership, which opened its business centre in 15,000 square feet at The Beacon in January 2014, and intermodal logistics specialists InterBulk, who moved into 10,000 square feet in October 2014.
Ian added: “Windsor’s development is mixed use with 7,000 square feet of offices and 11,000 square feet of industrial and warehouse space. The company’s administration centre for its network of 12 centres across the UK is at the front of the building and at the back they store, assemble and service the lifting equipment ready for distribution to their customers.”
Dave Garness, Managing Director of Garness Jones, said: “The quality of the accommodation at The Beacon is demonstrated by the calibre and the size of the organisations which have moved into the site.
“The CHCP and InterBulk both found that it was very cost-effective to relocate into modern premises and stay in Hull. That is a big attraction for other potential occupiers, as is the location right next to the A63 and very close to local shopping parks with Burger King, KCF, Costa Coffee and Marstons all operating on The Beacon site.”
David Harvey, who specialises in commercial property at Bridge McFarland, said: “We have been working with Windsor Engineering for at least five years. They are a national brand in their industry and as such are reflective of our other clients.
“We provided a full service against a very tight schedule to assist Windsor in this matter, helping them to secure the funding, advising upon the building contracts for the new premises and dealing with other general issues that arise with such a significant move.”
