German-based engineering group Thyssen Krupp AG (www.thyssenkrupp.com), which employs 350 people at sites across the West Midlands, has selected Solihull as the location for its new UK headquarters.

The group has operations in more than 80 countries and works with the steel and aerospace sectors (among others). The new head office in Solihull will co-ordinate the group’s existing UK operations, with sites in Cradley Heath, Tyseley and central Birmingham.

Terry Sargeant, chief executive of Thyssen Krupp UK, said: “Our divisions have always had their own distinct identities in the UK, and while we want to ensure that those brands remain at the forefront of their respective industries, we also want to make sure that all products we offer across the group are easily accessible and recognisable for our customers.

“To have the new UK regional head office in place is an important step towards that objective.”

Mr Sargeant also hailed the Government-run Midlands Engine initiative: “The concept of the Midlands Engine is tailor-made for a part of the world that prides itself on its work ethic, on its industrial heritage and on bringing people from a number of different backgrounds together to work towards common goals.

“All of those values resonate strongly with us and with what we are trying to achieve, and we know we can source the right kind of talent in the West Midlands to drive us forward, so getting on board with the Midlands Engine is a natural fit.”