A Wolverhampton-based family enterprise, Drywall Steel Sections, has expanded its operational capacity, moving into a newly constructed factory twice the size of its former premises. This development comes as part of a broader £13 million project, co-financed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which contributed £7.59 million to the initiative.

Drywall Steel Sections, originally located in Cradley Heath, Dudley, for over a decade, relocated to a modern 39,850 square foot facility in Ettingshall, Wolverhampton. The new factory, occupying four-and-a-half acres of redeveloped brownfield land, marks a considerable upgrade for the company, which specialises in manufacturing light gauge steel framing for the construction industry. This includes products for modular housing, wall partitions, and ceilings. Additionally, Drywall’s engineering division, DrySpec, focuses on the design and detailing of steel framing for a wide array of building projects nationwide.

The investment from the WMCA was instrumental in preparing the previously vacant site for redevelopment, including addressing challenges posed by historic mine shafts. The location, unused since 2008 after Rolls Royce ceased operations there, is part of the WMCA’s ‘brownfield first’ regeneration initiative. This programme aims to repurpose former industrial sites for new commercial and residential developments, thereby stimulating job creation and providing affordable housing while preserving green belt areas.

The scheme’s funding also supports the construction of the G5 Industrial Park, comprising 17 commercial units designed to accommodate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This addition is poised to generate approximately 150 new job opportunities.

Andy Street, Mayor for the West Midlands and Chair of the WMCA, expressed enthusiasm about Drywall Steel Sections’ growth and its implications for the regional economy. He highlighted the strategic use of government funds to support local businesses in their expansion efforts, thereby fostering economic development and job creation. Street also emphasised the importance of redeveloping brownfield sites to meet housing and commercial space needs without compromising green belt land.

Drywall Steel Sections Ltd is a key component of a family-owned conglomerate established over two decades ago by Rajinder and Sunita Gupta. Under the leadership of their son, Mayank Gupta, who assumed the role of managing director six years ago, the company has embarked on a new phase of growth and innovation.