Philips Electronics is discounting rumours that it is considering setting up a £1bn semi-conductor factory on a site owned by P&O Properties in the Green Belt at Warmley, near Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.
The West Midlands Forum of local authorities is assessing two adjoining sites on the A38 at Warmley and Peddimore as potential locations for major inward investment. There is a regional consensus that the West Midlands failed to attract Siemens’ requirement because of a lack of suitable sites. In the end, Siemens decided to take a site in the North East. Warmley, owned by P&O measures 56ha (140 acres) and Peddimore, owned by Birmingham City Council, extends to 133ha (330 acres)
Roger Woods, a spokesman for Philips, confirmed that the company had looked at both sites. “But we are looking at sites world wide and we are in no hurry ,” he said.
Sutton Coldfield MP Sir Norman Fowler claimed last week that Whitehall had leaked the name of Philips in an attempt to force him to drop his objection to the development of the Green Belt sites.
Philips is advised by King Sturge, and P&O by Chesterton. Woods said that King Sturge was reporting to Philips’ property director in the UK and to head office in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
P&O was unavailable for comment.
EGi News 29/05/96
