We reported back in November 2016 that Trebor Developments had secured full planning permission to develop a 12-acre site at the former Albright High School in Popes Lane, Oldbury.

The former school land was acquired from Sandwell Council last year by Trebor Developments on behalf of Steel & Alloy Processing Ltd and is set to be become a new £27m manufacturing facility.

The first phase of the project, the construction of the factory, has now begun at the site. A&H Construction is carrying out the work and this phase alone will create around 50 new jobs for the area.

The start of work was marked by a ground-breaking ceremony attended by representatives from Sandwell Council, Steel & Alloy Processing and its parent company Gonvarri Steel Services.

Mark Cooper, managing director of Steel & Alloy Processing, said: “Our main facility in West Bromwich is at full capacity and this significant investment demonstrates the confidence that our parent company, Gonvarri Steel Services, has in the UK business.

“It will allow us to develop new processing technologies and materials to meet the ever increasing demands of the UK automotive industry and secure the company’s position as the leader in the field.”

Steve Eling, leader of Sandwell Council, added: “It is encouraging to see significant investment from Steel & Alloy coming into Sandwell. The borough offers businesses wishing to expand and grow a chance to move to an area at the forefront of cutting edge manufacturing with established supply chains and a highly skilled workforce.

“The investment and new jobs being created by Steel & Alloy Ltd are very welcome and is further demonstration of Sandwell and the Black Country being at the heart of UK manufacturing.”

The facility is expected to be operational by November 2017.