Fast growing Ultra Electronics PMES is an established player in the supply of naval and rail power equipment and signature measurement systems across the globe. So when the time came to move their operations, they entrusted AWM to assist their business in moving to one of the area’s most promising ventures – Towers Business Park in Rugeley.
“Our previous facility had served its purpose, but it was more than 50 years old and in need of a costly renovation in order to make it a viable base for the future,” explained Ultra’s Director (Relocation), Nigel Roberts - who oversaw the move.
“It was too large for what we needed and did not provide the modern, efficient, working environment we desired going forward. Staff retention was a key consideration in our thinking - we were keen to stay in the Rugeley area so we could retain our existing 200 staff”.
Located just down the road from Ultra PMES’ previous facilities is the 100 acre Towers Business Park - which the company recognised as an ideal location for them.
“Over a five year period, Advantage West Midlands helped us move into our new £5.5 million purpose built facility at Towers Business Park in Rugeley - which compliments our innovative products and worldwide reputation,” Nigel continued.
“AWM's patience, assistance, advice and co-operation were vital to our move and without their support we could not have completed it in a timely manner. Their liaison with external agencies such as Cannock Chase Council, Staffordshire County Council, South Staffordshire Water and the Coal Authority was invaluable to us.”
An operating business unit of FTSE 250 company Ultra Holdings Ltd, Ultra Electronics PMES provides high-tech power conversion and control solutions, underwater measurement ranges and sensors for various defence applications. Some of the company’s other key clients include BAE systems, Rolls Royce and Network Rail.
AWM has been working in a partnership which includes developers Gazeley, Pritchard’s, Traditional Structures and Cannock Chase Council, to transform this former Lea Hall Colliery site into a high-quality park which is continuing to attract new investment and business opportunities to the area and, upon completion, will create hundreds of new jobs.
Towers Business Park is managed by Advantage West Midlands on behalf of national regeneration agency English Partnerships, and has invested £10.5 million in the project. The original reclamation of the business park site was funded by the national regeneration agency, English Partnerships, as part of its National Coalfields Programme - designed to breathe new life into former coalfield communities.