SWD Clothing Exports Limited has agreed a six-year lease with commercial lettings specialist and landlord, Towngate PLC on a 70,000 sq ft modern warehouse property at Towngate Business Centre in Walkden, near Manchester.
Having already been tenants at the business park for many years, the company has seen a dramatic growth period in recent times and required a larger base in order to facilitate further expansion.
The business — which has recently been acquired by the UK’s largest textile recycling business, Textile Recycling International — specialises in the collection, re-use, and recycling of pre-loved textiles and shoes for export all over the world. The organisation has also established contracts with numerous major charities, local authorities, schools, and other associations — offering regular textile collections.
Tom Lamb, property manager at Towngate PLC commented;
“We’re delighted to have been able to accommodate SWD’s requirement for additional space within the estate. The company has been able to relocate from its existing five terrace units into the newly refurbished Unit 2 within the same site, thus reducing the additional stress of moving the business elsewhere in the region.”
Unit 2 offers the new tenants improved circulation and loading capabilities while boasting four loading doors with a covered bay, additional external yard space, parking, and excellent welfare facilities for staff including a modern canteen, kitchen, and WCs. This move will also enable the team to double production capacity.
David Woods, Managing Director of SWD added;
“When we first moved into Unit 4F — measuring 5,500 sq ft — at the Towngate Business Centre in 2004, we collected 25,000 kg per week. Our success since then has been bolstered by the Towngate team’s assistance and commitment, and we are so grateful to them for helping us on our continued journey.”
Towngate is now investing a further £500,000 into the next phase of refurbishments at the former SWD HQ, offering a fantastic opportunity to market six units — each comprising of a 5,500 sq ft fully refurbished industrial/warehouse premises with rear yard and parking. Three of the units are under offer already, with growing interest in those remaining.
In addition, there is a potential for a new development on the former footprint of the demolition site, which was the original Unit 1. The completion of this exciting new phase will bring the site back to its former thriving state, allowing for the creation of 300 jobs — a similar headcount to the original Lucozade workforce before it closed its doors in 1993.
The estate is located just off Lester Road and is accessed from Manchester Road West (A6), approximately one mile due west of Walkden. Junction 4 of the M61 Motorway also lies within one mile of the premises via the A6, which in turn provides immediate access to the Northwest motorway network. In addition, the premises sit approximately eight miles northwest of Manchester City Centre and 3 miles south of Bolton.
