Members of GVA’s Birmingham office welcomed Dave Allen, purchasing director at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) for a breakfast presentation.
The event was organised by GVA Director Graham Knight, a member of the company’s dedicated aerospace and automotive team, which uses its understanding of the sector and regional knowledge to find best fit industrial space for potential occupiers.
Open to associates and directors from across the company, the presentation outlined JLR’s current position and supply chain approach, as well as a highlighting the scale of the internationally-renowned car manufacturer’s commitment to the UK.
Strong demand from manufacturers such as JLR has led to a number of companies operating across the automotive supply chain relocating to be closer to key manufacturers, with many looking for new premises in the West Midlands.
Graham Knight, Director, GVA, said: “We are immensely pleased that Dave was able to present to us, as this general upshift of activity in the sector has clear implications for our specialist industrial team. With the current lack of Grade A industrial stock in the region, a lot of companies looking to relocate are having a really difficult time in finding appropriate locations. However, with our regional and industry knowledge, we are ideally placed to assist companies in relocating.
“The relocation by supply chain companies has several key advantages, not least of which is the reduction in logistics costs and the ability to provide ‘just in time’ components in order to meet the increasing number of flexible options offered by manufacturers to their customers.”
Dave Allen, Purchasing Director, JLR, said: “The current trends that we are seeing in terms of relocation genuinely provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for many component suppliers.
“The West Midlands has a rich history of car manufacturing and a lot of the skills base and experience is still here. The combination of manufacturers’ desires to relocate and commercial property consultants such as GVA’s understanding of the sector and the spaces available, will ensure that this region remains a key driver in the automotive sector.”