Construction starts at our new IMI Truflo Marine HQ

Construction of a state-of-the-art centre of engineering excellence for IMI Truflo Marine – a world-leading manufacturer of critical flow control solutions – has started at a strategic site in the West Midlands.

A groundbreaking ceremony has been staged at the site of the manufacturing and design facility at Birmingham’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMH).

Barberry Industrial, a West Midlands-based property investor and developer, was selected to purchase the site from Birmingham City Council and Homes England and deliver the 57,000 sq ft headquarters and manufacturing building on behalf of IMI Truflo Marine.

The engineering company will relocate to the manufacturing hub in Witton from its existing facility nearby. It has agreed a 15-year lease on the new facility. The move not only safeguards the jobs of its existing skilled workforce but creates new employment opportunities.

Attending the groundbreaking ceremony were Roy Twite CEO of IMI plc, Steve Robins, President Nuclear & Marine Europe of IMI Critical Engineering, Nick Rowson-Jones, Global Operations Director of IMI Critical Engineering, Barberry Industrial Development Director Jonathan Robinson, Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, Steve Smith, Managing Director of the appointed construction contractor Benniman, and the project team. Practical completion of the building is expected in Q3 2021.

IMI Truflo Marine is part of I​MI Critical Engineering – a world-leading provider of critical flow control solutions that enable vital energy and process industries to operate safely, cleanly, reliably and more efficiently.

Managing Director Mark Bloxham said: “I am delighted to see the project underway.  The new facility will not only create a world class manufacturing facility for our customers, our employees and our stakeholders but will also serve as a centre of Engineering excellence to support our market.”

Barberry Industrial’s Jon Robinson said: “It’s fantastic to see construction start on site. It’s been a pleasure working with IMI Truflo Marine and we’re proud to include them as another high profile customer that we are working with to deliver a world class headquarters building and global centre of excellence here in Birmingham.

“It is great news for Birmingham and the Advanced Manufacturing Hub. It represents another excellent piece of business, with the private and public sector creating further investment and jobs for the city. IMI has a long and successful history with the city, and the skills and talents of local people has helped the company develop and grow into the global business it is today employing around 11,000 people.”

He added: “The new headquarters and manufacturing facility we are developing for IMI Truflo Marine will be a state-of-the-art facility which will match their global ambitions and align with the expectations of their customers around the world and assist them in continuing to grow their business here in Birmingham.”

Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “As we work towards Birmingham’s post-Covid economic recovery, this investment is a significant vote of confidence in our city, creating jobs and opportunities at a time when they are sorely needed.

“IMI is a Birmingham institution with a proud and successful history and this investment in the Advanced Manufacturing Hub marks another significant chapter in our shared story.”