Long-established building services’ merchant Smith Brothers Stores is opening its first branch in South Wales, at an industrial unit on Dominions Way Trading Estate on Newport Road in Cardiff in a deal brokered by joint agents Knight Frank and Bilfinger GVA.
The company services the commercial and industrial mechanical services sector, supplying pipework and valves to companies involved with heating, gas, water & air conditioning. It was established in Leicester in 1897 and has a network of nine branches across the UK.
SBS manager Rob Cousins said: “This is our first venture into South Wales, as part of a UK-wide growth programme. We believe there are big opportunities in the Welsh market and looked at a number of different units before choosing the Dominions Way building because it has an excellent location and the deal enabled us to refit and open for trading in February.”
SBS has taken a 10 year lease on the 15,000 sq ft Unit 2 and the move into Cardiff will create 10 new jobs.
The move comes as Europcar completes its relocation into Units 8&9, doubling its presence on the estate.
Neil Francis, partner at Knight Frank, said: “Dominions Way Trading Estate is on Newport Road, one of the main arterial routes into Cardiff City Centre. It is very popular with industrial occupiers, including Arco, Europcar, Unipart and Pipe Center. “
Daniel Davies from Bilfinger GVA Cardiff agency team, said: “With Europcar taking Units 8 and 9 there are now just two units available to let – Unit 10 and Unit 4 – both of which are being refurbished and both of which have good front yard provision. Interest remains strong in the estate and we anticipate further letting announcements in the months to come.”