A globally respected structural steel company is celebrating a major milestone in redevelopment plans for its site in Dorset.

John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Limited – known as REIDsteel – has acquired a 2.2-acre plot immediately next to its existing headquarters in Christchurch.

It was formerly occupied by Peeks Party Store and Monkey Madness soft play centre.

Purchase of the site means that REIDsteel can move forward with plans to invest in a state-of-the-art manufacturing complex, new offices and staff facilities.

Full planning permission has already been granted.

The redevelopment, over a total of 6.4 acres, will allow the company to boost productivity and capabilities in the design, engineering, manufacture and supply of steel structures across the UK, Europe and the world.

Simon Boyd, REIDsteel’s Managing Director, signed the land acquisition deal with Nick Peek in Christchurch.

He said: “This is a major milestone in our redevelopment plans for the company.

“It is great news and represents major investment in our business, the local economy, the Christchurch community and the county of Dorset.

“It will regenerate a vacant brownfield site in a key location within the town while allowing us to move forward with our exciting redevelopment plans.

“This will mean that we can significantly increase productivity and create more highly skilled employment and apprenticeships while cutting our carbon footprint.

“The whole team at REIDsteel are excited about the acquisition and redevelopment of the site in the near future.

“My thanks to every single member of our team for their unwavering support over the past few years and to Nick Peek for the key role he played in supporting our bid to redevelop the site for the benefit of all stakeholders.

“Investment of this kind further reinforces our belief that business is a force for good.

“It is not just for the owners but for our people, the local economy and community as well as for the national economy and HM Treasury.

“We are looking forward to announcing more details about our plans in due course.”

REIDsteel has gained full planning permission for the multi-million-pound-redevelopment.

It will include a production yard, staff parking, environmental improvements and landscaping.

Also included are rooftop solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.

Multiple manufacturing processes will be brought into a single, automated production line with cutting-edge technology from concept to delivery under one roof.

Founded in 1919, REIDsteel has more than 130 staff and has exported to more than 140 countries to date.

Its portfolio includes aircraft hangars, bridges, sports stadia and industrial and commercial buildings across the UK, Europe and the world, including cladding and glazing.

Special projects include hurricane and earthquake resistant structures, car parks, defence structures, water treatment plants, the power sector, infrastructure, specialist bridges and bespoke designs.

The company, which remains owned by the Reid family, will continue with current operations on its site throughout the redevelopment process.

Peeks closed in March 2020, following which REIDsteel agreed a sale price, subject to planning consent and entered a leasing arrangement with the site stakeholders, John and Nick Peek, while planning permission was pending.

Having finally agreed all the requirements, both parties were able to conclude the sale.

Financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed.

• reidsteel.com