G F Tomlinson Supports Growth of Midlands Engine Manufacturing Hub

ONE of the Midlands’ leading construction firms, G F Tomlinson is playing a major role in the Midlands Engine growth hub , supporting the growth of an Advanced Manufacturing Hub in the Stoke and Staffordshire area.

The construction firm is undertaking a major refurbishment of the Broad Eye Building at Stafford College, which is being transformed into a state-of-the-art Science & Technology Centre, as well as delivering the AgriSTEM building on behalf of South Staffordshire College which is expected to handover this month; both projects are valued at almost £9 million combined.

Both schemes are outlined in the government’s Midlands Engine Strategy as integral to strengthening skills within the region. Andy Sewards, managing director from G F Tomlinson said that the construction firm was proud to be involved in projects that would help to boost the UK’s growing manufacturing economy.

“The Broad Eye Building scheme is a complex refurbishment of a 1980s building that will transform the much-loved facility into a modern building to house some of the UK’s most advanced education and training courses,” said Andy.

“Once complete the building will include robotic suites, science laboratories, 3D printing and laser technology, a LEGO® Education and Innovation Studio, office space and IT suites over four floors to support several new courses at the college.

“As a Midlands-based construction firm we are proud to be involved in these local projects, which will form part of a wider national growth strategy that will inspire young people into science, technology, engineering and manufacturing roles.”

Craig Hodgson, Vice Principal for Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group said: “We are excited about the new facility at Stafford College which will provide new career pathways, vocational and A-level courses and training spaces for local employers.

“The renovation, which is being part funded by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), will provide expert facilities to support the growth of science and technology in the region and give our students the best learning experience possible.”

The AgriSTEM building at South Staffordshire College is expected to handover this month, following a 59-week project delivered by G F Tomlinson. It will be home to an Advanced Mechatronics Lab, an industry-standard manufacturing environment and specialist equipment.

The new advanced mechatronic facilities will provide the college with a multidisciplinary field of science. The building will include a combination of mechanical engineering, electronics, computer engineering, telecommunications engineering, systems engineering and control engineering all housed within an existing Granary Building sympathetically renovated and restored.