Express & Star

Sandvik table plans to downsize headquarters paving way for homes

An engineering firm is set to downsize in plans tabled to Dudley Council that could pave way for 80 homes.

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Sandvik, centre, off Manor Way, Halesowen, which could be redeveloped for homes and a smaller headquarters. Image: Google

Sandvik, which has been based on the A456 Manor Way in Halesowen since 1958, wants to knock down its current headquarters and build a new, smaller office and showroom.

The freed-up land would then be sold off for development.

The entire site occupies an area of 3.2 hectares, about eight acres, and the new building would be built on almost two-and-a-half acres – roughly 28 per cent of it.

The remaining 72 per cent of the land would be sold off for homes in the future.

What the Sandvik building would look like. Image: Sandvik/Dudley Council

Approximately 100 workers at the Swedish-based firm will move to the completed new smaller building from the current building, which would be knocked down.

A report to Dudley Council said: “The proposed development will retain the current level of employment which will serve to maintain Sandvik’s historical relationship with the local community.”

Campaigners hope the project’s housing phase will help create a crossing over Manor Way.

David Viner, trustee of the nearby Halesowen Cycling Club, said: “The campaign for the crossing started in 2013 and I said if it takes 10 years, we will make it happen – it’s so needed.”

Sandvik provided facilities for the design and production of cutting tools – as well as the stocking of high-grade steels.

The company’s plans will be discussed by Dudley Council on February 6.