A leading cylinder specialist has relocated part of its manufacturing business to newly refurbished premises in Luton – bringing investment and jobs to the region.

Gledhill Building Products has agreed a five-year lease of a 6,050 sq ft unit at Barratt Industrial Park near Luton Airport, allowing it to relocate from smaller premises in Hemel Hempstead.

Letting follows extensive investment by Rockspring TransEuropean IV LP

LSH’s Luton office acted on behalf of landlords Rockspring TransEuropean IV LP, which has invested heavily in a rolling programme of internal and external improvements at the eight-unit industrial park.

Gledhill – a family-run company which has its headquarters in Blackpool and a further 10 depots across England and Scotland - has expanded its operations so it can increase the stock levels of its market-leading StainlessLite unvented cylinders, Stainless EnviroFoam, and vented and copper stock, which is supplied to plumbing and building merchants.

In addition to the manufacturing and stock holding operations the new depot, which has a loading door, six-metre high eaves, good car parking, two-storey offices and warehouse area, also includes a meeting room and a fully equipped showroom and training room.

Refurbishment of stock presents great opportunities in current market

Dan Jackson, Associate Director in the Industrial and Logistics team at LSH in Luton, said Gledhill was shown a number of premises and was impressed by the quality of the refurbished unit at Barratt Industrial Park and its proximity to M1 Junction 10a, which is currently being upgraded.

“The first half of 2014 has been very positive and we have seen good levels of take-up within the Luton and Dunstable market. In response to a lack of good quality product in the market our client invested in a speculative refurbishment of the unit as well as significant improvement works to the whole estate,” said Dan.
 
“A deal of this calibre so soon after completion of the works goes a long way to demonstrating that refurbishment and improvement of existing buildings is the right strategy in a market lacking in new stock. We are now left with one remaining unit - Unit 2 - which totals 10,764 sq ft and has also been refurbished,” he added.

Expansion will allow Gledhill to increase production

John Paul Baines, Commercial Manager of Gledhill Building Products, said: “Our commitment to service is paramount, including providing a next-day delivery or same-day collection service on request, and the new premises will ensure we meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.

“The increase in floor space also provides a larger manufacturing area for both the standard and bespoke copper cylinder production, enabling us to meet the demand for these high quality products.

“We are also delighted with our new training room and showroom facilities. This will provide a fantastic environment to show case our products and provide training and meeting resources for new and existing customers alike.”

Barratt Industrial Park

Barratt Industrial Park is located in the south of Luton, on the periphery of London Luton Airport. It occupies a prominent elevated position over the roundabout junction between Airport Way and Kimpton Road. Other tenants include Ability Logistics and Window Wizard.