Lawton Tubes releases proposed design of new faciilty

Lawton Tubes, a leading manufacturer and supplier of copper tubing, has released the first visual designs of how its proposed new £20 million facility could look. The company recently submitted planning proposals for a two-storey facility, on a 5.83-acre site in Coventry, that will feature a 107,768ft² warehouse along with office space and welfare areas totalling 17,220ft².

The facility, set to be built on the former Sandvik site on Torrington Avenue, will house Lawton Tubes’ manufacturing, storage, and office operations. Solar panels will cover the entire office roof, along with a 40m service yard. The proposed new building will complement the firm’s existing headquarters across the road, as well as its other bases in Redditch and Poole where it employs more than 140 people — the company has an annual turnover of £230 million.

Lawton Tubesm established in 1918, has been a major success story for the region, exporting to over 40 countries worldwide and being recognised with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its international trade achievements. The company’s copper tube - which is 100% recyclable - is used in the heating and plumbing, air conditioning, medical and industrial sectors. Giles Lawton is managing director of operations at Lawton Tubes, and a fourth-generation member of the family business.

He said: “The submission of the planning application is a significant step forward in our ambitions to unlock further growth in the business with an additional facility, and we are hopeful of securing planning permission by the end of the year. Coventry has been a fantastic base to develop the business domestically due to its central location and strong transport links. Our latest plans underline our commitment to the region, providing further long-term employment opportunities.

“Copper is a key raw material that makes the world go round – whether it is supplying oxygen to hospital beds, building electric cars, or powering central heating – and this new facility will enable us to facilitate further growth domestically and globally.”

Birmingham-based architects Pinnegar Hayward Design supported Lawton Tubes in creating and submitting the planning application.