A major industrial estate on the border of Coventry and Warwickshire is now fully occupied after a national timber company took the final available unit.
Arnold Laver Timberworld, which is part of the National Timber Group, has opened a new trade counter unit on the Grovelands Industrial Estate in Exhall, just off Junction 3 of the M6.
The company has already created seven new jobs after agreeing the letting of the 26,000 sq ft building through commercial property agents Holt Commercial. That figure will rise to 12 staff as the outlet becomes more established, while it is also being used as an office base for members of the company’s senior management team who travel around the country.
It signals a major success story for the industrial estate which is now full and is home to a range of companies from a cross section of businesses.
Rupert Gillitt, Director of Holt Commercial, said Grovelands had proved even more popular after significant investment from the landlord.
He said: “This is a real success story for the Coventry and Warwickshire economy and we are delighted to have worked with Arnold Laver Timberworld to bring the company to the area.
“There has been significant investment at Grovelands and that has resulted in the whole site now being fully let, which means dozens of jobs being created here on the border of Coventry and the north of Warwickshire.
“Holt Commercial has been involved in this industrial estate for many years now and we are delighted to have played such as significant role in its continued success.”
The new merchant – which sells a range of softwood, hardwood and sheet materials, and enjoys the benefit of a drive-through and well stocked trade counter – is the first in a new branch roll-out programme to complement the company’s 14 existing units in England.
A further two new similar units are set to open in Peterborough and Croydon before the end of the year, and Chris Whitlock – the company’s Site Development Director – explained why Grovelands was the first.
He said: “Through research and a certain amount of senior management intelligence, we identified Coventry as a prime location for this new type of offer and we have been working with Holt Commercial for a few months to get this deal over the line. They have been extremely helpful in making this happen.
“The unit has been completely refurbished and is a great place to welcome customers – who tend to be small and medium size contractors.
“The Arnold Laver brand is nearly 100 years old and it will be expanding around the UK over the next couple of years. We are delighted to be here at Grovelands – we couldn’t be better located for the motorway network as you can see our unit as you drive by on the M6!”
The company will keep around £300,000 worth of timber stock on site at any given time and also stocks a range of other products related to the industry.
Avison Young have acted as joint agents on Grovelands with Holt Commercial. Arnold Laver was advised by retained agent Chris Marsden, of Dovestone Land.