MANUFACTURER'S EXPANSION TAKES ROOT

A Black Country business that makes wooden products for the pub and restaurant trade is taking a root and branch approach to expansion after almost doubling its manufacturing space.

The Porter and Woodman Group, which makes a range of goods including chalkboards, menu holders and wood shop fittings, has agreed a 10-year lease for Block B Bay 3 on The Stourbridge Estate, Stourbridge.

The 10,626 sq ft unit, which was refurbished by LCP prior to the company moving in, complements its existing 12,537 sq ft space at Block E Bays 1 and 2.

Mike Hodgetts, sales and marketing director for the Porter and Woodman Group, said the expansion meant it has now been able to bring back in-house the other side of its enterprise – a hamper and wine gifts company, which also incorporates packing and distribution.

“As the manufacturing side of the business grew, we had to contract out the packing and distribution as well as the hamper and wine gifts to a company that was able to take in all the stock,” he said.

“However, we found that it would be better for us if we took back control of that part of the business, so when Block B Bay 3 came up, which is opposite our two existing units, we decided the time was right to take it.

“It was important for us to expand here because of the site's proximity to Stourbridge town centre and the local communications hub, which makes it an ideal location from which to recruit new staff.”

Block E Bays 1 and 2 will house the manufacturing, while the packing and distribution with the hamper and wine gifts has moved to Block B Bay 3.

The success of the Porter and Woodman Group is such that it has taken on 25 new staff over the past three years, taking employee numbers to 60, and Mr Hodgetts anticipates its staff roll to increase by another 20% over the next couple of years.

Paula James, sales negotiator, said: “We worked closely with Porter & Woodman to ensure Block B Bay 3 was upgraded to suit its business needs and I am very pleased that we have been able to accommodate its needs to so that it can thrive on The Stourbridge Estate.”

The Stourbridge Estate fronts Stourbridge Ring Road at St Johns Road, less than half a mile from the town centre, giving easy access to Kingswinford, Dudley and Wolverhampton.

Occupiers include: Kwik Fit, Screwfix, Tile Trend, Plumbase, Howden Joinery, Tyre Store, Crown Paints, Fieldings Auctioneers, Dominos, Pizza, Chilly Kiddies Playzone and Full Throttle Raceway.