IMI Truflo Marine, a global manufacturer of high integrity valves and actuators, is set to open a new multi-million pound site in the West Midlands.

A state-of-the-art manufacturing and design facility will be developed at Birmingham’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMH) in a deal with Barberry Industrial. IMI Truflo Marine has agreed a 15-year lease on the new headquarters and will relocate to the manufacturing hub from its existing facility nearby.

The move safeguards the jobs of its existing skilled workforce and will create new employment opportunities.

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

Managing director Steve Robins 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”.

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.

Barberry Industrial development director and shareholder Jon Robinson said: “This is fantastic news for Birmingham and the Advanced Manufacturing Hub. IMI has a long and successful history in the city and the skills and talents of local people has helped the company develop and grow into a global business employing circa 11,000 people.”

He added: “The new headquarters we are developing on their behalf 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.”

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

Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, commented: “IMI is a Birmingham institution, so we’re absolutely delighted to welcome the company to the Advanced Manufacturing Hub. 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.