A planning application has been submitted by real estate investors M&G Real Estate (M&G) to extend and remodel its distribution warehouse in Redditch that is let to Pilkington Automotive, part of the NSG Group.

“Offering NSG Group the opportunity to grow their premises in Redditch is a great example of our proactive asset management approach being realised, particularly given the existing building was designed with flexibility for future expansion,” said Chris Jeffs, director, investment management at M&G Real Estate.

The planning application follows an agreement with NSG Group to relocate its automotive manufacturing operations from Kings Norton, amalgamating its manufacturing and distribution operations within a single 320,000 sq ft unit in Redditch.

Work on the development is still subject to planning consent, but if approved it will start later this year to allow for NSG Group to take full occupation in Summer 2020. NSG Group’s existing Redditch distribution business will remain operational throughout and a new 20-year lease has been agreed on the extended premises. The proposed development will provide a scheme that meets NSG Group’s current and future needs ‘as a modern, high quality combined manufacturing and distribution facility’.

Rob Purcell for NSG Group, said the Kings Norton premises in south west Birmingham has served them well for many years but they needed more modern facilities to continue to develop its glass products. “This is a very important project for Pilkington Automotive and will make Redditch the consolidated centre for our automotive operations in the UK vehicle automation and electrification initiatives,” he said.

The new facility, Purcell said, would be the company’s flagship operation as a centre for excellence in automotive glass and would support 200 jobs.