Global metals giant heads up Bond Wolfe deal spree

Hawthorns House, West Bromwich

Black Country property agents Bond Wolfe have announced a string of deals headed by the UK arm of global metals giant Novelis.

Novelis, world leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, which counts Jaguar Land Rover as a long standing partner, is taking 7,608 sq ft of office space at Hawthorns House in West Bromwich.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, its output goes into everything from beverage cans to automobiles, architecture to consumer electronics.

Its automotive division has a base at Wednesbury.

Spanning 11 countries and nearly 11,500 employees, Novelis is a subsidiary of India’s Hindalco Industries, itself part of the Aditya Birla Group.

James Mattin, Bond Wolfe managing partner, said: “We are thrilled to have attracted such a prestige client.

“It was the culmination of a search across the area. We were able to use our extensive experience and knowledge of the local market to identify accommodation that suited Novelis’ criteria. They will be modifying the space to further suit their needs but ultimately Hawthorns House and its location ticked all the boxes.”

Situated close to both Junction 1 of the M5 motorway and the A41 Birmingham Road, Hawthorns House is opposite Hawthorns railway station serving the Midland Metro and the Stourbridge to Birmingham rail line.

The firm has signed a three year lease.

In a second significant letting, MCI Logistics Ltd has taken 5 St Michaels Court, West Bromwich, also on a three year deal.

Expanding out of their existing Oldbury office, the firm is a leading supplier of professional, temporary and permanent drivers and transport personnel across the Midlands, South West and throughout the UK.

Mr Mattin noted: “The local office market has been consistently improving throughout 2015 and these latest deals follow other lettings we have concluded including SevaSupport and Arvato  at Landchard House, The Labour Party at West Plaza, and the NHS at Kingston House.

“It is a very encouraging scenario and we are confident there is more to come.”

Bond Wolfe has also completed two smaller transactions.

A takeaway shop with two bedroom flat above at 285 Walsall Road, West Bromwich, has been sold for £155,000, purchased by a local caterer for their new retail presence.

And a three year lease has been signed on 9 Bridge Street, Walsall, by a local barber shop.

It comes in the wake of a letting next door at 11 Bridge Street to Bridge Street Cycles and 13 Bridge Street to tattoo and piercing studio Vivid Ink. A further two units within the parade are under offer.

“It reflects the renewed confidence in the town by local traders and operators,” said Mr Mattin.