IMI Truflo Marine has revealed plans to create a multimillion-pound centre of engineering excellence in the West Midlands at Birmingham’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMH) in a deal with Barberry Industrial.

It has agreed a 15-year lease on the new headquarters and will relocate to the manufacturing hub in Witton from its existing facility nearby. The move safeguards the jobs of its existing skilled workforce and will create new employment opportunities.

Steve Robins, managing director, said: “This new facility is a major commitment to the sector and will provide a world class capability for our global customers. It will also greatly enhance the work environment and experience for our employees. It was important to us that we found a solution that was right for the business but also our employees who are critical to our growth plans.

“We are very pleased with the location and have huge confidence in Barberry and their ability to deliver. We have a long history in the region and we look forward to building on that history in this new and exciting facility.”

An application for detailed planning consent has been approved by Birmingham City Council with construction potentially starting on site before the end of the year, with practical completion expected in Q3 2021.

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This investment is a significant vote of confidence in Birmingham’s economic recovery and means jobs and investment at a time when they are sorely needed.

“The Advanced Manufacturing Hub continues to be a huge success story, with major occupiers already creating over 1,500 jobs and now, together with IMI and Barberry, we’re building on that success.”

Barberry Industrial, a West Midlands-based property investor and developer, has been selected to purchase the site from Birmingham City Council and Homes England to deliver a 57,000 sq ft headquarters building.