A company with a rich history in the West Midlands has cut the ribbon on brand new headquarters.
Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, the largest hot-dip galvanizing firm in the UK, has renovated an historic former school in Willenhall – just yards from the site on which it was founded nearly 150 years ago.
And the multi-million pound development project, which will deliver modern offices and facilities, was formally opened in an official ceremony on Friday.
Chris Woolridge, managing director of Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, said: “Our new headquarters are on the very street where the foundations of our business began.
“The former Central School has been derelict for more than a decade, but our investment will see this historic site given a brand new lease of life and the opportunity to be a revered landmark in the community once again.
“Next year, we’ll celebrate 150 years since John Wedge began a galvanizing operation in Willenhall and what better way to do that than by continuing his legacy in new headquarters.”
The building features an iconic clock tower that has been refurbished and protected as part of a redevelopment carried out under the ‘Considerate Constructors’ scheme, with workers taking care to minimise disturbance on the local community.
Civic dignitaries, including Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes as well as the architect behind the design of the new building, were among more than 20 guests at the opening ceremony.
Michael Bates, Director of Architecture at Wolverhampton-based Tweedale, said: “This has been a fantastic project to be involved in because of the challenge of creating a design that complements and enhances elements of the existing locally-listed building in a conservation area; respecting its history and key features.
“The design provides a contemporary, first class working environment and will give the building a new life for many years to come.”
Also present at the ceremony were brothers Ted and Eric Hall – former pupils at Central School and long-time residents of the town.
Ted accepted an invitation to formally cut the ribbon on the new building alongside Jeremy Woolridge, chairman of Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd.