Top scientific firm Eurofins Laboratories has been given the green light to build a new laboratory facility at the i54 business park in Wolverhampton after securing planning permission from South Staffordshire Council's planners on 11th January 2011.
The company’s planned move from its current premises in Wergs Road, Wolverhampton to the i54 site, which is owned by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, will protect existing jobs and offer excellent opportunities for creation of scientific jobs in the future.
Eurofins Laboratories is one of Europe’s top-ranking companies specialising in nutritional and contaminant testing of food and feed products for a range of private and public sector customers.
Graeme Risdon, Managing Director of Eurofins Laboratories, said: “This is a very exciting time for everyone at the firm.
"Our joint application with Advantage West Midlands has been approved by South Staffordshire Council and we’re looking forward to seeing the new building take shape at i54, one of the best high-tech business park plots in the West Midlands.”
Eurofins Laboratories is the second Wolverhampton firm in a matter of weeks to confirm plans to move to i54. Aerospace giants Moog are building a new facility ready to relocate to in 2012, retaining 400 high-tech aerospace jobs.
Mick Laverty, Chief Executive at Advantage West Midlands, said: “The planning decision is great news for Eurofins Laboratories and for the area’s economy.
“i54 is one of our flagship development sites in the West Midlands and we’ve worked hard with our partners throughout the recession to keep the project moving forward.
“As a result, Eurofins Laboratories is creating the high-tech, high-value jobs that will make a real difference to the area. The aim now is for other blue chip companies to follow the lead of Eurofins and Moog.”
The 220-acre i54 scheme is a joint venture between Advantage West Midlands and Wolverhampton City Council, supported by South Staffordshire Council.
Councillor Brian Edwards, Leader of South Staffordshire Council, said: "Having two businesses ready to move on site is great news for the district. This is just the type of industry we envisaged for i54 and with new local jobs being created, it's a win-win for everyone involved."
Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Enterprise, said: "It is extremely pleasing to see another major company giving Wolverhampton and surrounding areas a big vote of confidence and choosing to stay here for their expansion.
“They clearly see the benefits that i54 offers to business. Not only are existing jobs staying where they are, but new jobs are being created which is exactly what this city wants to see."
Advantage West Midlands was advised by Bulley’s of Wolverhampton.