£32m trading estate revamp to bring 1,510 jobs

Ambitious proposals to flatten the majority of the existing buildings on the Vaughan Trading Estate in Sedgley Road East have been unveiled.

A planning application submitted to Sandwell Council by developer Dudley Unit Trust says overhauling the site would create 1,510 posts – 944 on site.

This would offer a shot in the arm for high-quality manufacturing if the plans are given the go-ahead, according to ward Councillor Ian Jones.

Bosses behind the scheme aim to create 430,000 sq ft of work space on land neighbouring the Thomas Dudley Foundry and CAB Autos.

Councillor Jones, who worked on the former Vono site in the 1970s, said: "It needs to be brought up to date and needs investment so high quality manufacturing can be brought into the area."

The planning report states: "The proposed development has the potential to provide for 944 full-time equivalent jobs on site.

"These direct jobs will generate additional employment through supply chain and employee expenditure multiplier effects.

"It is expected in this instance 94 jobs at the local level and 472 at the regional, or national level will also be created.

"It is believed that the jobs filled by the occupied development and taking into account the multiplier effects would generate a total of around £235 million Gross Value Added for the wider economy in the long term."

Councillor Jones said: "I would welcome this development, which would enhance the site. I know the site well as I used to work there in the 1970s and 80s.

"It does need some investment and I hope the existing, established firms are also looked after and this can enhance their quality as well.

"It needs to be brought up to date and needs investment so high-quality manufacturing can be brought into the area.

"Anything that can bring jobs is good for the area."

The Vono company – an acronym of Vaughan Only, No Other – was established in 1896.

The bedding company was at one time Tipton's single biggest employer.