Jobs created as firm bucks Brexit uncertainty with Midlands move

Haulotte UK’s move to the Four Ashes Industrial Estate, off the A449, comes after the French-owned company experienced 10 per cent growth in 2018.

The firm is a global manufacturer and distributor of aerial work platforms and material handling equipment.

It has taken on two staff with up to another six expected to be recruited in 2019.

Firm bosses say they have faced little impact from Brexit uncertainty - but warned this may change.

Bulleys and JLL, the joint agents on behalf of the Bericote Properties-owned estate, negotiated a 15-year lease for the 37,000 sq ft unit which Haulotte UK has moved into from its previous base in Telford.

Natalie Reynolds, general manager for the UK and Ireland at Haulotte UK, said: “We needed to expand into a new home that supported our long-term business plan and the property at Four Ashes is the perfect fit.

“The global aerial work platforms market continues to grow year-on-year driven by increased focus on health and safety at work, and the UK market has seen around 12,000 units of new machines sold each year.

“We had a very good year in 2018 finishing with just under 10% growth versus 2017, and we’re expecting to show yet more growth this year with very little if any impact from Brexit so far, although that may well yet change.

“We’ve expanded our sales team with two extra staff in 2018 and we expect to add a further five to six sales and engineering staff this year – all of which is one of the reasons for the move.

“The new building is a great location for us, with easy access to the M6 and M6 Toll motorways, and is much better for logistics.

“It’s also allowed us to create a flexible area that’s ideal for teamwork, and we now have a team working in one space as opposed to separate small working areas.”

Miss Reynolds added: “The size of the workshop and yard space will allow us to increase stocks and provides extra crane and repair capacity which will help us to service customers more quickly.”

Simon Spencer, development director of Bericote Properties which owns Four Ashes, said: “Our decision to speculatively develop Gateway 37 with our own resources demonstrates our confidence in our Four Ashes development. We’re delighted to welcome Haulotte to Four Ashes”.

James Bird, a senior associate at Bulleys, said: “We’re delighted to have helped Haulotte UK move into premises that will enable them to continue their successful expansion.

“It’s always exciting to watch global companies grow in the Midlands and we pride ourselves on finding the right places for businesses.”

Chris Clark, a senior surveyor at JLL, said: “It has been thrilling to watch Haulotte’s development here in the Midlands and it was a pleasure to help this growing company secure their new premises. We look forward to seeing them continue to flourish in this ideal location.”