The American appliance manufacturer Whirlpool has shortlisted Hams Hall in Greater Birmingham and DIRFT near Daventy, for its 24,154 sq m (260,000 sq ft) national distribution warehouse.
The company is looking to relocate from a 25,000 sq m (270,100 sq ft) facility in Paddock Wood, Kent, as part of a major reorganisation and regionalisation of its major European markets. Whirlpool has already secured sites in France, Italy, Benelux and Germany and is now looking for a specially-designed rail-linked facility in the West Midlands. The manufacturer does not have a plant in the UK.
Earlier this year Severn Trent secured its first occupier at the 147ha (364 acre) DIRFT with haulage firm Eddie Stobart taking a 46,450 sq m (500,000 sq ft) facility. The 92,900 sq m (1m sq ft) public rail port, is expected to open this summer. Baker Rose, Howkins & Harrison and Jones Lang Wootton act for DIRFT.
At the end of last year BMW signed up for a 92,900 sq m (1m sq ft) manufacturing plant and Puritan Maid for an 18,580 sq m (200,000 sq ft) distribution unit at Hams Hall. Power (Europe) has also shortlisted the site for a 25,000 sq m (269,106 sq ft) cold storage warehouse. DTZ Debenham Thorpe and Colliers Erdman Lewis act for PowerGen.
EGi News 17/07/97
