1,000 panes of glass left to install as transformation of Wolverhampton's former Sunbeam factory continues
The transformation of Wolverhampton's iconic Sunbeam factory has so far seen 2,672 panes of glass installed - and there are another 1,000 still to go in.
Developer Liam Wordley has been keen to retain key features of the building from which the famous bicycles, motorcycles and cars had been produced.
One of the most striking features had been its huge glass windows and Mr Wordley was keen to ensure they were replaced sympathetically.
To date 493 steel-framed single sheet windows have been replaced with 28mm double-glazed alternatives featuring acoustic glass designed to keep out the sound of vehicles on the nearby ring road.
Over the coming months a further 150 will be fitted bringing the total number of glass panes to nearly 4,000 across the whole building.
The new windows have been designed and produced by Wolverhampton firm Kalsun, based in nearby Blakenhall, who were awarded a £1 million contract.
The factory, which was empty from 1997, is being converted into 117 homes in a £12.5m project due to be completed within months.
Mr Wordley, 38, said: "Where it has been possible we have been able to use local suppliers and local builders because I am a local guy myself and it has been a really important part of the whole project.
"We have seen companies like Kalsun flourish. They are able to prove they can deal with projects this size which gives them the confidence to seek out bigger contracts and gives those awarding contracts confidence the company can handle it."
Kuldeep Burmi, Managing Director of Kalsun, said: "This is now a modern building but Liam was keen to keep the old character.
"We tried to keep the character with the windows as close as possible. Changing from steel to aluminium there was limitations but we have got very, very close."
The transformation of the factory has been supported by the Black Country Advice Investment and Markets programme which includes Wolverhampton council.
Councillor John Reynolds, the council's cabinet member for city economy, said: “This project highlights exactly how regeneration in the city is benefiting local people.
“To see this historic city centre landmark being brought back to life is fantastic and to know it has helped a Wolverhampton company expand and take on more workers is the icing on the cake.
“It is also hugely satisfying to see the excellent business support structure in the Black Country - accessed through the council and a wide-range of partners and programmes such as the AIM programme – is helping.”
From the late-1800s, most of Sunbeam’s bicycle, motorcycle, and some motor car production was carried out at the site.
Perhaps most notably, Sir Malcolm Campbell’s Bluebird Sunbeam car, which set a world speed record in 1924, was produced at the site.
