A building supplies company has acquired a building in South Yorkshire to expand its manufacturing operation in a deal brokered by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH).

Naylor Industries, which is headquartered in Barnsley and has operations in South Yorkshire, Scotland and the West Midlands, acquired the freehold of the 57,000 sq ft building in Wombwell from electronics retailer Maplin, which had previously used it as a distribution centre.

Naylor Industries manufactures a range of clay and concrete products for the construction industry as well as plastic drainage and ducting and has successfully applied for a change of use of the building from B8 distribution to B2 general industrial with a view to manufacturing on the site.

Tom Burlaga, Agency Surveyor at LSH in Sheffield, said the sale of the building was good news for the local area.

He said: “This building was previously owned by Maplins but has been vacant for a number of years after it was deemed surplus to requirements so we are delighted to have concluded a deal with Naylor less than a year after being instructed on the property.

“Naylor is a well know company in the region and this acquisition will allow it to continue to expand while keeping the core of its operations in South Yorkshire near to its head office in Barnsley.

“The site will also bring new jobs to Wombwell, which is great news for the local economy and the ideal scenario for the previous owners Maplin which continues to have a strong association with the area.”

The deal also a reflection of a strong industrial market in South Yorkshire which has seen LSH’s Sheffield office involved in deals totalling more than 250,000 sq ft already this year with another 100,000 sq ft under offer.

Tom added: “This is our strongest first half year for a number of years and reflects a steadily improving economy in the region with businesses of all sizes looking for accommodation in the region, either for distribution or general manufacturing.”