Research and development focused engineering consultancy TWI has cemented its presence in Port Talbot with the acquisition of its premises.
Advised by property advisory firm, Cooke & Arkwright, it has acquired the freehold interest in the 15,681 sq ft TWI Technology Centre Wales at the town’s Harbourside development from developer Deryn Properties.
Harbourside contains four buildings at present, including the HMCS Magistrate Court, Llewellyn House (a multi-let office) and the Tata testing and development centre. Further development sites are being brought forward on adjacent land by Neath Port Talbot Council with the infrastructure and road networks under construction.
TWI was previously a tenant at Harbourside having taking space after the development which was completed in 2012 by Deryn Properties.
The purchase, the value of which has not been disclosed, secures high skilled R&D, engineering and technical jobs at the facility.
The centre provides office, laboratory, R&D and testing facilities, including inspection technology. The acquisition includes land which could facilitate future expansion to the technology centre.
TWI main facilities are based in Cambridge, with Port Talbot providing specific and specialist R&D and engineering solutions to the TWI Group and its member companies.
Philip Wallace of TWI said, “We have secured its long-term commitment to operating in Wales through the purchase of this state-of-the-art facility. Our investment in the region will continue with plans to enhance the facility and expand its operations. Our long-standing collaboration with the Welsh academic base and support to our members will be further enabled - it is a very exciting chapter in our business in Wales.”
Graham Davies, investment Director at Cooke & Arkwright added, “It has been a pleasure acting on behalf of TWI Limited and negotiating the purchase of this top quality R&D engineering facility.
"The purchase of this facility is a major bonus for Port Talbot in terms of securing the high quality employment TWI creates, and the building offers long term potential for growth and advancement of the TWI Group. The building is one of most advanced R&D facilities in the region and has been developed to an exceptional standard by Deryn.”
