US-based Fortune Brands Innovations has started building a manufacturing centre of excellence in South Staffordshire, UK.

The “significant” investment in British manufacturing will support its luxury kitchen and bathroom brands and it will act as the company’s HQ for Europe, Middle East and Africa Water Innovations portfolio.

The company owns House of Rohl brands – Victoria + Albert, Perrin & Rowe, Shaws of Darwen, Riobel – as well as Aqualisa.

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Located at the i54 Business Park, the 270,000 sq ft facility will include a Customer Experience Centre and Training Facility.

Due to be operational by the end of the year, the company expects to create nearly 250 new jobs with the opening of the facility.

General manager Steve Geary commented: “This investment reflects our continued commitment to the luxury ceramics and brassware sectors and we are hugely excited about the project.

“This new facility will allow us to better service our customers and facilitate future growth.”

Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Inclusive City Economy, speaking on behalf of the i54 Partnership, said: 
“The arrival of Fortune Brands Innovations at the i54 South Staffordshire western extension is fantastic news for the county and Wolverhampton.

“This is a major multi-national organisation that will sit perfectly alongside our other high-calibre employers on what is one of the most successful business parks in the UK.

“Most importantly, the investment will deliver further good-quality jobs and skills opportunities for our residents and boost economic growth.”