LCP helps to fan international firm’s growth plans

Andrew Preston, industrial property manager at LCP

An international ventilation firm that has its roots in the West Midlands has almost doubled its capacity at a Black Country industrial estate.

Elta Group has taken on an additional 44,619 sq ft space at the Pensnett Estate, Kingswinford, which is owned and managed by London & Cambridge Properties (LCP).

It has agreed a 10-year lease for Building 45, which, with the existing unit it occupies, takes the company’s capacity on the estate to 95,699 sq ft.

The move enables the family-owned group to unite its existing brands – Elta Fans, Air Design, idealair group and Hydor Building Services – under a single Elta Group building services umbrella.

The new unit will also create a dedicated centre of manufacturing and assembly, a warehousing and distribution plant and an expert internal sales and customer services department. Existing employees have been relocated, ensuring no redundancies.

David Ball, Elta Group chairman, said: “With focused manufacturing and assembly operations we are able to drive forward with innovative product development whilst our distribution and warehousing plant supports our long term commitment to stock availability. Combined with the breadth of skills and knowledge our people hold, this gives us a firm base from which to serve our customers and the construction.

“We were keen to stay on the Pensnett Estate because of its location and good transport links, so when we were offered the Building 45, it made perfect sense for our business.”

The company’s investment programme comprises expansion to existing operations, including a 200% increase in finished goods space and a 33% increase in manufacturing space. It will also include the implementation of progressive lean manufacturing processes.

Andrew Preston, industrial portfolio manager of London & Cambridge Properties, said: “This is a significant expansion for Elta Group and we were very pleased to be able to provide the space it needs to enable it to continue with its ambitious plans for growth.

“The Pensnett Estate attracts a wide range of tenants, from start-ups to global names, so retaining a company of Elta Group’s stature is great news for us.”