One of the world’s leading global technology companies is relocating its existing Shirley based workforce to IM Properties’ (IMP) Blythe Valley Business Park (BVP), junction 4, M42. IM Properties has sold a nine acre plot to ZF for the company to develop a purpose built regional technical centre and office building, bringing current staff under one roof, from its current campus of four buildings in Shirley.
ZF looked at many locations before deciding to move, however BVP best reflected its operational focus on technology, innovation and sustainability.
Alastair McQueen, vice-president and site lead for ZF Shirley said: “The new site at Blythe Valley Park offers us the opportunity to maintain our long-time affiliation with the Shirley area and will bring together the many facets of our existing multi-disciplinary campus under one roof.
“At Blythe Valley Park, we will have a sustainable, fit for purpose building, utilising the latest technologies to support the innovative and technological nature of our work.”
ZF is a global leader in drive-line and chassis technology, as well as active and passive safety technology. Its global workforce of almost 150,000 operates from 230 locations in 40 countries.
Lewis Payne, IMP’s development director, was understandably delighted to have another significant employer move to BVP and join the circa 3300 already working at the park.
“BVP has consistently attracted a broad range of high-quality occupiers from professional services to technology companies and has helped retain some of the region’s most forward-thinking businesses including Gymshark, PKF Cooper Parry and GKN Aerospace.
“Our significant investment into the site and focus on creating a high-quality environment is striking a chord with occupiers and we look forward to welcoming such a prestigious company such as ZF to BVP.”
Lewis added: “We’re particularly pleased that the ZF team, like many of our occupiers appreciate the work IMP have done in creating a sense of place and genuine community at BVP, with first class amenities, sustainability and wellbeing at its heart.”
Set within 122 acres of parkland, IMP’s vision for Blythe has always been ambitious, with the aim of creating one of the Midlands’ first truly mixed-use schemes, pitching commercial offices alongside industrial warehousing, leisure and residential.
The residential phase is now being realised, with both Crest Nicholson and Bloor Homes on site, building the first of the 750 homes planned, which will bring much needed new homes to the people of Solihull and to those working at BVP, delivering a sustainable development to live, work and relax in.
JLL advised ZF on the transaction. Savills and CBRE act as joint agents on BVP
