Top security firm to move its HQ to i54
A leading security firm is to take up a new unit at Wolverhampton's i54 business park as part of a new multi-million pound deal.
The i54 will house a state-of-the-art HQ for security specialists ERA after securing around £10 million of funding from Aberdeen Asset Management PLC.
The headquarters will be a manufacturing, R&D and distribution centre for the security hardware and electronics firm.
ERA, which currently has offices in Willenhall, Wolverhampton and Coventry, is a UK leader in the design, development, manufacture and distribution of innovative solutions for the home security market. The development will provide a high bay, single sided loaded manufacturing and distribution facility with 25,000 sq ft of office space. The space will be developed for the company by property specialists, Stoford.
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Commenting on the move, CEO of ERA, Darren Waters, said: "i54 is an outstanding business location with excellent transport links. It's a great fit with our long term strategy and will help to differentiate our brand, both as a supplier and leading employer."
ERA will join occupiers such as Moog, Eurofins, ISP and Jaguar Land Rover which last year announced it would be doubling the size of its engine manufacturing centre at the business park. Roger Annis, fund manager at Aberdeen Asset Management PLC, said: "The new motorway junction from the M54 directly on to the park has transformed this location into a key component and growth area of the Midlands industrial conurbation. We are delighted to be able to fund this high quality facility which will provide our investors with a long term, sustainable income stream and allow ERA, which has a long heritage in UK manufacturing dating back to 1838, to continue to thrive in a modern, purpose built facility."
Staffordshire County Council's economy leader, Mark Winnington, said: "i54 South Staffordshire is now renowned for leading global business and innovation. The move to its new HQ will allow the company to continue to expand and innovate in modern, purpose-built facilities. We now look forward to Stoford, which is delivering other job boosting schemes in Staffordshire, starting the development very soon. ERA's addition to i54 South Staffordshire is another significant milestone in the site's development, bringing more investment and jobs to our area."
Dan Gallagher, joint managing director at Stoford, said: "We're delighted that Aberdeen Asset Management has chosen to fund ERA's new home in Wolverhampton."
