Titanium specialist expands in factory move

A South Yorkshire manufacturer is expanding its operations with a move into one of the region’s largest industrial units.

Castings Technology, the UK’s only commercial titanium castings company, has agreed a 15-year lease on 192,000sq ft at Tinsley Depot in Sheffield.

The firm, which currently operates from the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, has outgrown its existing facilities and is investing £18 million in new premises, equipment and job creation.

Bosses say the new facility will house the latest patternmaking, moulding, vacuum and air melt casting facilities, together with support services for the casting of components in titanium and ferro-based alloys.

They add that the site, Unit 2a Tinsley Depot, which is the former Whitbread premises and is managed by Yoke Real Estate and agents Knight Frank, will undergo a full refurbishment to modernise the unit and ensure full compliance with energy efficiency standards.

Kevin Parkin, chairman of Castings Technology, which was established more than 100 years ago, said: “Whilst continuing to lease the building and equipment from the AMRC was the correct option in 2021 when the management buy-out completed, due to our substantial growth, it is now necessary for the company to move to its own, larger premises and with new, world-class equipment.”
 
Managing director Richard Cook added: “We have developed a strong growth strategy, and we will continue to collaborate with our clients and other institutions to help us improve operational efficiencies. 

“The move delivers a sound platform from which Castings Technology can offer continued supply chain resilience to customers’ future and current programmes.”

Located on Shepcote Lane near Junction 34 of the M1, the facility will become one of the largest titanium foundries in the world, supplying aerospace, marine, oil and gas, and power generation industries globally.

Paloma Capital’s Dove Fund acquired the 463,000sq ft Tinsley Industrial Estate in 2017 and has since enhanced its appeal with upgrades to buildings, branding and infrastructure to attract high-quality occupiers.

Other occupiers on the estate include Galaxy Insulation and Dry Lining, Lodge Tyres, Belgrave Motors, NE Electrical Wholesalers, FMG Repairs and Pollards Wholesale.

Rebecca Schofield, partner in the Sheffield office of Knight Frank, who acted as agent, said: “This is one of Sheffield’s most established industrial estates. 

“This letting confirms the continued demand for premises needed for the expansion of successful and growing manufacturing companies, offering highly-qualified roles in state of the art design, simulation and production.”

Tony Howlings, a conultant at Yoke Real Estate, which advised the landlord, added: “It has been exciting to re-use and re-purpose this iconic 1970s warehouse, for what will be a cutting-edge foundry. 

“Re-purposing this building also satisfies the client’s demanding sustainability targets.”

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