IntelliAM expands to the USA with first order from major food manufacturer

April Lara
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IntelliAM expands to the USA with first order from major food manufacturer

IntelliAM, a Yorkshire-based tech firm, has successfully entered the US market, securing its first order from a leading food manufacturer. The order covers three major manufacturing sites and will see the integration of IntelliAM’s AI and machine learning technology. The company’s software, on-site sensors, and technology support will help the manufacturer optimise operations and enhance return on investment.

Installation of IntelliAM’s AI systems is set to begin this month, with the initial contract spanning 12 months. This expansion marks a significant step in IntelliAM’s global strategy to improve machine asset performance and boost productivity across industries.

IntelliAM’s technology helps manufacturers extract actionable insights from operational data, improving asset care, reducing downtime, and increasing productivity. With an established client base that includes half of the world’s top 12 food and drink producers, the company’s AI solutions are increasingly becoming essential in enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Large industrial estate in West Yorkshire up for sale

April Lara
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Large industrial estate in West Yorkshire up for sale

A significant industrial property in West Yorkshire, Flush Mills in Heckmondwike, has been put up for sale. The estate offers 489,000 square feet of fully occupied industrial space across 23 acres.

Currently home to seven businesses, the estate is also poised for further development. Located less than three miles from the M62, it is easily accessible and sits between Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield, and Bradford.

The property is being marketed by GV&Co and Michael Steel & Co, on behalf of Wharfedale Property. The estate features a range of industrial accommodation, including newly constructed and refurbished warehouse buildings. Additionally, the sale includes a 3.9-acre plot on Wakefield Road, designated for potential residential development, subject to planning approval.

With a current annual rent of over £1.79 million, Flush Mills is being offered for more than £16 million, reflecting a net initial yield of 10.5%. The property is fully let to a mix of reputable manufacturing companies and SMEs, such as Autoneum, Wakefield Acoustics, and Quick Slide. This sale presents a prime opportunity for investors looking to acquire a high-yielding asset with future development potential.

Contractor appointed to restore one of Leeds’ oldest surviving textile mills

Tess Egginton
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Contractor appointed to restore one of Leeds’ oldest surviving textile mills
Henley Restoration and Remedials has been appointed by City Life Developments as principal contractor for the restoration and structural transformation of Midland Mill, one of Leeds’ oldest surviving textile mills. Built in 1793, the restoration of Midland Mill marks a key phase in the wider Sky Gardens development within the South Bank regeneration zone. Henley’s appointment marks the start of a highly specialist programme of works. Several elevations will be fully dismantled and rebuilt, and structural reinforcement will be carried out using precision stainless steel components fabricated by HZS Stainless Steel, providing support to the existing timber, masonry, and concrete, securing the building’s long-term stability and heritage character. Early works include the removal and replacement of damaged stone cills and the stripping of the existing asbestos slate roof. Henley’s in-house teams will then undertake the roof replacement, installing a new steel structure, fabricated by HZS Stainless Steel, topped with a natural slate covering integrated with solar PV tiles. Specialist façade cleaning will be carried out and a comprehensive external repair programme will restore the building’s envelope. The restoration also involves the bespoke manufacture and installation of timber sash and Georgian windows, matched to the original profiles. “This is a flagship heritage project and a major undertaking,” said Tom Cardoe, managing director – restoration, Henley Construction Management Group. “Our role isn’t just to preserve the past, it is to structurally future-proof it. This is where Henley sets itself apart: we plan, we build, we restore, all in-house.” Gareth Morgan, managing director at City Life Developments, said: “Appointing Henley Restoration and Remedials Ltd was an easy decision. Their experience, attention to detail, and genuine respect for heritage buildings made them the natural choice. Midland Mill sits at the heart of Sky Gardens, a major development for Leeds, and we look forward to seeing it brought back to life as a symbol of the city’s evolving future.”

Global manufacturer takes 294,000 sq ft industrial and logistics facility

Tess Egginton
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Global manufacturer takes 294,000 sq ft industrial and logistics facility
Global manufacturer JELD-WEN UK has signed a lease for Unit 3A at PLP Bessemer Park, Sheffield, a new 294,000 sq ft industrial and logistics facility. The letting brings the development to 100% occupancy. JELD-WEN UK is part of the global JELD-WEN group, established over 60 years ago and a leading door manufacturer, operating in 19 countries. The new facility will allow the company to obtain operational efficiencies in a modern, sustainable base, supporting its continued growth in the UK. Hugh Chesterton, development director at PLP, said: “PLP has taken a former steelworks brownfield and created a commercial park fit for ‘next generation’ manufacturing and logistics occupiers. “We’re proud to welcome JELD-WEN to PLP Bessemer Park and to have completed this flagship regeneration project at full occupancy. The calibre of tenants we’ve attracted—each a blue-chip business with a strong manufacturing footprint—underscores the enduring appeal of Sheffield as a location for forward-looking industrial operations.” Dom Gaffey, vice president and general manager, JELD-WEN UK, said “Securing this facility at PLP Bessemer Park is an important milestone for JELD-WEN UK. “While the timeline for the relocation is still being finalised, this investment demonstrates a clear commitment to investing in the UK market, how we serve our customers, and how we continue to operate responsibly as an employer and community partner. “The focus remains on sustaining the strong relationships JELD-WEN UK has with its customers and partners throughout this process.” Knight Frank, CBRE and CPP represented PLP. JELD-WEN UK were represented by JLL.

Rotherham’s advanced manufacturing sector leads regional productivity surge

April Lara
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Rotherham’s advanced manufacturing sector leads regional productivity surge

Rotherham’s economic growth has soared over the past two decades, with the town recording an impressive 63.9% increase in productivity between 2004 and 2023. This surge has been driven by the success of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, a collaborative effort with Sheffield, which includes the renowned Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). The centre has attracted both local and international investment, with its recent involvement in the Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactors (SMR) project underscoring its cutting-edge capabilities.

South Yorkshire, with Rotherham at its heart, is seeing its industrial base undergo a renaissance. This growth has come from a combination of public-private partnerships, focused regeneration projects, and strategic investment in advanced manufacturing, positioning the region as a key player in the UK’s industrial future.

Rotherham’s transformation has not gone unnoticed. The ongoing redevelopment of former industrial sites like the Orgreave mine is a testament to the area’s commitment to innovation and long-term economic sustainability. Key to this success has been collaboration between the public sector, developers like Harworth Group, and local institutions, ensuring the region remains an attractive proposition for businesses and academia alike.

With future plans for infrastructure upgrades, including a new railway station and the creation of additional business spaces, Rotherham is poised to continue its growth, creating a blueprint for industrial regeneration across the North.

Museums give Leeds economy multi-million pound boost

Tess Egginton
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Museums give Leeds economy multi-million pound boost
Leeds’ council-run museums and galleries have provided a £47.3m boost to the local economy over the past year, new figures have revealed. The latest economic impact report compiled by Leeds Museums and Galleries sets out the figures, with the service’s eight sites also welcoming 939,494 people in the same period.
Aimed at assessing the positive impact of the sites on the city and the region, the figures are calculated using factors such as overall spend on and off sites, employment impact and overall spend on local goods and services. Against an annual budget of approximately £5m, the figures mean that every £1 invested in museums and galleries in turn generates £9 for the city. As well as the economic benefits, the report also captures the social impact the service has, with 105,501 children and adults taking part in family activities, 46,349 school pupils visiting, as well as 38,855 visits from vulnerable adults and young adults. Successful applications for grant funding over the course of the year also brought £2,394,855 into the city and the use of local services supported 100 external jobs worth £3.3m. The news comes after the service recently launched a new contactless “Pay What Your Can” entrance model at Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds City Museum, Kirkstall Abbey and Leeds Discovery Centre, asking visitors to help support the upkeep of the attractions and the care and conservation of more than 1.3 million objects. Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “The fact our museums and galleries have managed to achieve so much against such a uniquely challenging climate for the sector and for local authorities really does speak volumes about the exceptional work which goes into creating a visitor offer that’s exciting, innovative, and appealing to visitors. “The economic impact these wonderful attractions have unquestionably makes a huge difference to the city each and every year, but just as important is the social value our sites have, giving people of all ages the chance to engage with history, heritage, art and the natural world in a multitude of different ways, supporting education, combatting social isolation and raising the city’s profile as a national and international cultural destination. “Now more than ever we need the support of the public to ensure council-run museums and galleries remain accessible, sustainable and can carry on inspiring visitors for generations to come.” Leeds Museums and Galleries operates eight sites in total: Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds City Museum, Temple Newsam House, Lotherton Hall, Abbey House Museum, Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds Industrial Museum and the Leeds Discovery Centre.

Public inquiry opens for Lincoln’s £200m relief road project

April Lara
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Public inquiry opens for Lincoln’s £200m relief road project

A public inquiry has commenced into the proposed North Hykeham relief road, a £200m project designed to complete the ring road around Lincoln. The new road would connect the A46 with the Eastern Bypass, improving traffic flow and providing vital infrastructure for the city’s growth.

The scheme has sparked objections from landowners and businesses who are facing potential land acquisition. Over the next two weeks, an independent inspector will hear from Lincolnshire County Council, as well as other supporters of the plan. A few objectors, including Travelodge Hotels, have been represented at the inquiry, with further objections expected in the coming weeks. These objectors will have the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses supporting the project.

Despite some opposition, the council remains confident in the project’s broad support. A £110m government funding pledge was made in 2019, covering over half of the project’s total cost. However, confirmation of this funding is still pending, as the current Labour government has yet to finalise the capital spend review. The Reform UK administration has confirmed its commitment to providing the remaining £90m.

If the project proceeds on schedule, the road is expected to be operational by late 2028.

Council takes back control as private contract ends

April Lara
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Council takes back control as private contract ends

North East Lincolnshire Council has taken the step of managing key services in-house after ending its long-standing contract with private delivery partner, Equans. This marks the first time in 15 years that services such as highways, transport, building control, security, facilities management, and planning will fall under the direct responsibility of the council.

In 2008, the council chose to partner with a private sector organisation to handle these services, with a formal contract signed in 2010 with Balfour Beatty Workplace, now known as Equans Services Limited. The contract was extended in 2020, but recent decisions confirmed that it would not be renewed when it expires in 2025.

The council’s leadership sees this shift as an opportunity to realign services for greater efficiency and effectiveness, bringing all operations under one team. The 270 Equans employees transitioning back into the council will increase the total workforce to nearly 2,000, with the majority being local to the area.

This transition is part of the council’s strategy to ensure long-term sustainability in service delivery while maintaining high standards in key public services. The council is now focusing on integrating these functions smoothly into its operations over the coming months.

HARIBO UK invests £35m in new facilities to meet growing demand

April Lara
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HARIBO UK invests £35m in new facilities to meet growing demand

HARIBO UK is set to open a new purpose-built warehouse in Castleford early next year as part of a £35m investment in its operations. The company has committed the funds to upgrade its facilities, including an additional production and packaging line, aimed at addressing increased demand for its products. Caddick Construction has been appointed to build the warehouse, with work slated to begin in early 2024.

The investment is designed to strengthen HARIBO UK’s market position and secure jobs in the region. The company has had a successful financial year, boasting a record market share of 22.6% and a 7.7% increase in turnover. Alongside infrastructure development, HARIBO UK is expanding its retail footprint, with new stores planned for both Kent’s Bluewater Shopping Centre and Scotland’s Silverburn Shopping Centre in Glasgow.

As a headline sponsor of the Pontefract Liquorice Festival this July, the company continues to support local events and its longstanding connection to Yorkshire’s confectionery heritage. HARIBO UK’s continued investment and growth reflect its ongoing commitment to innovation and regional manufacturing excellence.

Metro Bank secures £19.7m deal for Hepworth Clay’s growth under new ownership

April Lara
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Metro Bank secures £19.7m deal for Hepworth Clay’s growth under new ownership

Metro Bank has finalised a £19.7m asset-based lending deal to support Hepworth Clay, the UK’s sole manufacturer of vitrified clay pipes, now under the ownership of 4D Capital Partners LLP. The financial package includes invoice and stock finance, a plant and machinery term loan, as well as ongoing working capital.

Hepworth Clay, a key player in the Midlands manufacturing sector, produces drainage solutions and terracotta construction products, sourcing materials from its own quarries. This financing will enable the company to continue its operations and expand under its new ownership.

Metro Bank’s involvement comes as part of its broader strategy to support regional manufacturing businesses. The bank worked alongside 4D Capital and various advisors to structure a deal that addresses the unique needs of Hepworth Clay, ensuring it remains a vital part of the local economy.

4D Capital Partners, which has recently acquired Hepworth, was advised by a range of local professionals, including Quantuma and Shoosmiths. Metro Bank’s team provided the necessary flexibility to navigate the complexities of the deal, marking a strong step in the bank’s commitment to supporting UK manufacturing.

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