The site of an historic lock-making firm in Willenhallis being taken over by an expanding manufacturing business specialising in products such as roller shutter doors, shopfronts and automatic doors.
1st Access UK Ltd, also based in the town, is investing £100,000 in the first expansion phase.
The company, which was set up six years ago by Willenhall-born former firefighter Jason Loydon and his partner Vikki Lindop, had a £2 million turnover last year and currently employs around 25 workers. The company has bluechip clients including Tesco, Lidl and Holland & Barrett.
The couple plan to retain some of the building’s traditional features such as old locks, light switches and pictures to maintain some of the heritage of the former lock factory.
SOME OF THE ORGINAL FEATURES TO BE RETAINED
Staffing is anticipated to double within five years as part of the relocation into the bigger former lock firm premises between Stringes Lane and John Harper Street.
The site, which had been put on the market for more than £300,000, was bought for an undisclosed sum ahead of an auction.
Willenhall Locks and Keys Ltd went into administration last September, having been an important landmark feature in the town since opening in the late 1950s. Twenty eight jobs were lost when the historic firm shut.
A major renovation project will be carried out early this year with the aim of moving in around April.
The move will see its floorspace increase from around 8,000 sqft to 31,000 sqft and help build on its success.
Director Miss Lindop, aged 35, said: “We have got to renovate it but it will be a massive expansion for us.
“We have big plans for the next five years and we are looking at doubling the workforce.”