Reading: Ceramex opens £3 million facility
On behalf of Aberdeen Standard Investments, Haslams and DTRE have leased Unit 1 Acre Road, Reading, comprising approximately 67,000 sq ft to Ceramex a subsidiary of Hexadex. In line with its planned expansion strategy for 2020, international market leader in Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) cleaning and refurbishment, Ceramex, has more than doubled its operating capacity with the opening of a brand-new facility in Reading, which will be able to process more than 2,500 DPFs per week.
Representing an investment of over £3m in the company’s long term future, Ceramex commissioned part of the 67,000 sq ft Reading property as its logistics hub during the Covid-19 lockdown earlier last year, as restrictions delayed the fit-out process. This afforded more storage capacity for DPF units, allowing rapid turnaround for deliveries and despatch so that the company’s existing Slough facility could operate more effectively with social distancing measures implemented.
Having seen demand for commercial vehicle DPF cleaning start to ramp up again, Dr Colin Lewis, managing director of Ceramex, commented: “As early signs of market recovery emerge, we are starting to return to pre-pandemic levels of DPF cleaning volume, due in part to increased logistics fleet activity. As this continues, Ceramex is therefore delighted to open the doors to its new DPF refurbishment facility in Reading, which will enable the business to service the growing needs of our pan- European customer base.
“With tighter EU emission controls and standard fitment of DPFs, demand for cleaning and refurbishment is on a steady upward trajectory. Ensuring that we can handle future customer demand is extremely important to Ceramex, so this significant facility upgrade investment will not only cement our market-leading position but also the company’s capability to handle significantly more volume in the coming years.”
With scientific studies showing a significant decline in air pollutants since the Covid-19 lockdown began on March 23, there is a continued emphasis on improving air quality. Ceramex has ensured that its customer trucks and buses remain environmentally emission compliant and efficient as they continue to provide essential transport services.
Neil Seager, partner at Haslams also commented: “The letting to Hexadex shows the industrial property market is not just solely reliant on online retail. It is also great for Reading, as not only does it gain valuable employment but also the kudos of securing a global leader in this specialist industry. While good news, it does mean the supply of space has reduced to what are now historically low levels, with the situation not likely to change in the immediate future. As a result, rents and values will inevitably increase.”
