MWA Secures Planning Approval For Autosmart

MWA Help Autosmart Clean Up With Successful Planning Application

Working on behalf of Autosmart, Martin Walsh Architectural (MWA) has obtained planning permission to refurbish and redevelop a unit at its Burntwood facility to create a closed-link factory.

A £30m Investment

Following two successful planning applications, Autosmart, the UK’s largest manufacturer and distributor of professional vehicle cleaning products for trade customers, is refurbishing its newly purchased unit at Burntwood.

The company is installing an external bunded tank farm and creating a new distribution warehouse within this well-established industrial area.

The works are part of the company’s ambitious growth plans and kickstart a £30m investment.

Supporting Future Growth

Matthew Robinson, Director at MWA comments: “Autosmart is a well-established business with over 40 years of experience. Its competitive advantage stems from its reputation for outstanding service to customers, which is delivered by a local franchisee from mobile showrooms where customers can see and buy the products then and there. The products give the customer the lowest cost in use and Autosmart franchisees have over 300 mobile showrooms across the UK and its main markets.

Matthew adds:

“While these market-leading credentials and innovative products and services are supporting Autosmart’s unprecedented growth plans, its existing production and warehousing facilities were no longer sustainable. The new development will allow the company to expand, manufacture locally and accommodate future growth.

“Excitingly, this development will see a significant amount invested over the next ten years, including creating new employment opportunities.”

Environmental Credentials

Integral to Autosmart’s new site is extensive automation, including a bridge link connecting the refurbished unit with the distribution warehouse. Through the closed factory, the company will be able to store raw materials onsite, process products within the building and transport finished goods via an enclosed conveyor bridge to the proposed warehouse.

Building upon the company’s environmental credentials, it will also house its Barrel for Life Scheme.

The Barrel for Life Scheme allows Autosmart franchisees to refill a barrel at their customers’ premises,  rather than providing new barrels or smaller containers with every order; this saves plastic waste and reduces customer costs.

Following the planning approval, MWA will provide building regulations and construction drawings while also delivering support on-site for construction queries.