Tinplate Products Ltd
Having outgrown their existing factory premises in Trowbridge, Tinplate approached Ashford Construction having knowledge of the recent planning application for three speculative commercial buildings in Southwick, Wiltshire.
One of the three buildings fitted Tinplate’s size requirements of approximately 10,000 square feet footprint and as we awaited planning approval and construction had yet to commence, there was an opportunity to tailor the building to their needs. Our design team subsequently set about space planning the building in close contact with the Owner and Directors of the business.
Their requirements were quite specific with 85% of the footprint to be taken up with warehouse space, however, to maximise the amount of storage space available, the height and pitch of the roof was amended during the planning process and the building had to be repositioned to allow for the turning of articulated vehicles, which our design team successfully gained an amendment to the planning permission.
The rest of the building was meticulous designed, creating a specific “clean room” for packaging, an embossing room, warehouse office and shower on the ground floor with a large open plan kitchen and breakout facility, administration office and toilets on the first floor. The specification was tailored to the business and factory need with oak veneered doors, a bespoke kitchen design, toilet cubicle colours and specialist flooring all chosen by Tinplate.
From the beginning of negotiations with Tinplate in May 2019, the design and planning process took 3 months with construction commencing in August 2019. Construction took 7 months from groundworks right through to the bespoke finishes, with the successful handover of the building in February 2020.
The Design and Build contract totalled £1M.
After more than a year of looking for a potential new factory for our growing business, and finding nothing the right size, or location, we eventually found a plot of land in Southwick. This was when we were introduced to Ashford Construction.
What seemed like a very daunting task of ‘designing your own factory’ for which I have no experience or knowledge, the relationship was perfect from the start.
Ashford held our hands every step of the way, project managing, guiding and advising where needed.
Due to the close communication channels, they were able to keep to the tight build schedule given, allowing us to move in as planned without delay.
They have looked after Tinplate and our needs extremely well. We could not have imagined a few years ago, that we would be in our own uniquely designed factory, that is now perfect for our needs.
Thank you to all the Ashford Team for making it possible.
