Project outline

UEF Automotive was a major supplier of automotive parts and other engineering items to customers all over the world. They were the largest closed-die forging company in the UK with a history going back to the 1800’s. Their 50-acre Bromsgrove site, was one of the largest such sites in Europe, if not the world. Following a period of ownership changes, KPMG were appointed as Administrators to the Group in the summer of 2001.

Services provided

• Property valuation of six sites throughout the UK
• Plant & Machinery valuation of large capacity forging equipment, much of it unique in the UK and influenced by world factors such as over-capacity and slow demand.
• Environmental advice: based on the long manufacturing history, all sites required ground environment conditions assessments. These were undertaken and incorporated into the valuation advice and strategy for both property and plant.
• Planning appraisal: the location of some sites meant that initial planning for alternative uses had to be investigated.
• Asset disposal: GVA Grimley negotiated and disposed of available land to developers. For the plant and machinery, private treaty and auction sales realised over £5m in value.

How GVA Grimley added value

GVA Grimley assembled a team of valuers and surveyors from in-house resources, enabling prompt advice and valuations for KPMG. Our experienced team of plant valuers was able to provide accurate valuations and disposal of plant (as required) for the client. The Bromsgrove site in particular was a challenge, as the site had been sold for development and had to be vacated. GVA Grimley was able to sell the complex and substantial plant to purchasers from around the world to meet the deadline for site removal.