New jobs created as US dinnerware manufacturer expands at Sheffield business park

A US-based manufacturing firm has doubled the size of its UK distribution base at Sheffield’s Claywheels Lane Business Park.

Thunder Group, which designs and manufactures melamine and polycarbonate catering equipment and dinnerware, expanded in order to support the growth of its business across the UK and Europe.

The firm worked with regeneration specialist St. Modwen, which owns and manages Claywheels Lane Business Park, to expand into two newly refurbished units.

The expansion will add an additional 14,273 sq ft of warehouse space to the firm’s existing 15,265 sq ft unit.

Thunder Group has agreed a six year lease with St. Modwen, which will enable the company to meet growing demand for its products in the UK and across Europe. The firm expects to create 5 new jobs in the as a result of the expansion.

The site is Thunder Group’s newest distribution centre and is its only base outside of the US.

John Hewitt, operations manager at Thunder Group, said: “There is growing demand for our products across the UK and Europe so it is critical that we have the capacity to grow in order to meet customer demand.

“The only factor that was holding us back was warehouse space. Through working with St. Modwen and Knight Frank we have now effectively doubled our capacity and have the right infrastructure in place to support our continued expansion into new markets.”

Paul Brustad, asset and development manager for St. Modwen, added: “Claywheels Lane is the ideal location for Thunder Group’s expansion.

“Not only is it in close proximity to Sheffield City Centre and the M1, but it also benefits from high quality units and St. Modwen’s flexible approach to lettings. We look forward to seeing further success from Thunder Group in the future.”

Tom Swallow, senior surveyor at Knight Frank, the letting agents that advised St. Modwen, also commented: “Thunder Group’s expansion demonstrates the suitability of Claywheels Lane Business Park as a home for growing businesses.

“The business park is now fully let and is a fine example of what can be achieved by developers when they create a quality product by investing in their properties.”