Work starts on major new IMI base in city
CONSTRUCTION work has started on a major new engineering centre of excellence in north Birmingham.
Developer Barberry Industrial is leading the project to create a 57,000 sq ft warehouse for IMI Truflo Marine at the Advanced Manufacturing Hub in Aston.
IMI Truflo Marine is a specialist manufacturer of critical flow control products used in industries such as marine and nuclear.
Stourbridge-based Barberry Industrial was selected last year to purchase the site from Birmingham City Council and Homes England and subsequently agreed to deliver the new office and manufacturing building on behalf of IMI Truflo Marine.
The company will relocate from its current base in nearby Westwood Road after agreeing a 15-year lease on the new facility, to be called ‘Barberry 57’, in a move expected to create new jobs at the site.
Practical completion of the building is expected in the autumn.
IMI Truflo Marine’s managing director Mark Bloxham said: “I am delighted to see the project under way.
“The new facility will not only create a world-class manufacturing
facility for our customers, employees and stakeholders but will also serve as a centre of engineering excellence to support our market.”
Barberry Industrial’s development director Jon Robinson added: “It’s fantastic to see construction start on site.
“It’s been a pleasure working with IMI Truflo Marine and we’re proud to include them as another highprofile customer that we are working
with to deliver a world class headquarters building and global centre of excellence here in Birmingham.
“It is great news for Birmingham and the Advanced Manufacturing Hub.
“It represents another excellent piece of business, with the private and public sector creating further investment and jobs for the city.”
Birmingham City Council leader Coun Ian Ward said: “As we work
towards Birmingham’s post-covid economic recovery, this investment is a significant vote of confidence in our city, creating jobs and opportunities at a time when they are sorely needed.
“IMI is a Birmingham institution with a proud and successful history and this investment in the Advanced Manufacturing Hub marks another significant chapter in our shared story.”