Mahle, the German automotive components company, has selected Folkes Properties’ Britannia Park in Wednesbury, West Midlands, as the site of its new UK headquarters.
The Stuttgart-based company is paying just under £47.36 per sq m (£4.40 per sq ft). Mahle has taken the 1,765 sq m (19,000 sq ft) unit – which combines industrial space and offices – on a 20 year lease with a break option in the 10th year.
Initially, Mahle plans to import air filters to the UK automotive market. However, managing director Brian Williams says the company is prepared to build a manufacturing plant in the UK if there is sufficient demand.
James Weston, director of Folkes Properties, also said a USA-based automotive components company was about to sign a lease for a 929 sq m (10,000 sq ft) speculative unit. In March Scottish & Newcastle took a prelet on a 5,295 sq m (57,000 sq ft) warehouse on Britannia Park.
The 6.87 ha (17 acre) Britannia Park adjoins the Black Country Development Corporation’s Automotive Components Park. The two lettings to components companies means that 10,219 sq m (110,000 sq ft) remains vacant.
DTZ Debenham Thorpe advised Mahle. According to Weston, the Black Country Development Corporation introduced Mahle to Britannia Park at the Equip Auto exhibition in Paris last October.
EGi News 13/09/96
