A NEW hi-tech manufacturing innovation centre has opened in Halesowen.

The new Sandvik Cormorant site on Manor Way was officially opened yesterday (Tuesday May 16) with the Mayor of Dudley Sue Greenaway in attendance. 

The borough’s first citizen helped company bosses with ribbon-cutting duties.

The 18,015 sq ft site replaces the Swedish metal cutting firms’ original HQ, which was on the same land and built in 1958.

Bosses say the new centre will become a hub for manufacturing innovations and customer interactions, and will be the UK headquarters for the Sandvik Coromant Center's global network.

The Mayor of Dudley, Sue Greenaway, said: "I was delighted to be able to attend and celebrate the start of an exciting new chapter for one of the borough’s longest-running and most successful firms.

"Sandvik has been at the heart of the community in Halesowen for more than half a century, and a big employer and developer of talent in our borough.

"They provide Christmas trees for the town centre and local schools, sponsor Halesowen Town Football Club’s youth academy and are big backers of Halesowen in Bloom.

"I hope this new site will allow them to go from strength to strength, and look forward to seeing the Sandvik success story continue in years to come."

Halesowen News: left to right: David Harbon - Sales Director UK & Ireland, Michael Eneberg - VP Global Sales & Marketing, James, Magnus Ekback - VP Strategy & Business Development and Kim Olander - Marketing Manager UK & Irelandleft to right: David Harbon - Sales Director UK & Ireland, Michael Eneberg - VP Global Sales & Marketing, James, Magnus Ekback - VP Strategy & Business Development and Kim Olander - Marketing Manager UK & Ireland (Image: Handout)

James Morris MP was was also at the official opening.

He said: "I was delighted to be at the official opening of Sandvik Coromant’s new UK headquarters on Tuesday, they are one of the most successful firms in Halesowen and it is always great to see local businesses doing well.

"The new state-of-the-art manufacturing innovation hub will enable Sandvik to go from strength to strength.

"They make a big contribution to civic life in Halesowen, and their continued success is a big positive for our town.”

The former HQ on the site will be demolished to make way for homes.