Marine engineers SMS Group take new warehouse in Southampton

Marine engineering firm SMS Group has expanded its refurbishment and interior outfit business in Southampton with the purchase of an industrial property and warehouse.

The newly refurbished Empress House comprises a 10,019 sq ft industrial and office building and was marketed by commercial property agents Keygrove Chartered Surveyors for an asking price of £1.25 million.

Chris Norman, managing director of SMS Group, said: “This investment is the latest milestone in the growth of Dan Lockyer’s business.

“Dan and his team have delivered year-on-year growth resulting in SMS delivering multiple seven figure work packages routinely and simultaneously – we need the space to continue growing.

“It’s equally important that as our marine refurbishment and interior outfit business continues to grow that we attract the very best people locally.

“We intend to turn Empress House into a dynamic, fun, and inspirational place to work. It will be our home for years to come.”

Lauren Udall, director at Keygrove, added: “The interest in Empress House exceeded expectation with numerous parties making offers.

“The lack of good quality freehold industrial stock in the South Hampshire region is evident despite political uncertainty.

“We’re delighted to have found a Southampton based company to take the space.”