WHN solicitors advises on JJO’s £1.3m property purchase

The commercial property team at law firm Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall has advised on the £1.35m purchase of premises in Rawtenstall by leading kitchen and bathroom manufacturer, JJO plc.

JJO, founded in 1868, has grown into one of the largest manufacturers of kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture in the UK. It employs over 400 people at its Bacup headquarters and its services include design, manufacture and delivering of furniture to a network of independent retailers.

The purchase of the 120,000 sq ft Victoria Works premises on Hill End Lane takes the company’s production and warehousing facilities to six.

In the last 12 months strong growth of JJO’s bathroom range has meant the company has struggled for space. Half of the new building will now be used for bathroom furniture, while the rest will house bedroom furniture, enabling the company to free up some much needed packing areas.

JJO has a projected turnover of £40million in 2015. It was advised on the purchase of the property by Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall led by partner, Gary Jones and supported by solicitor Katie Hardiman. The property agents were Pettys.

Gary Jones of Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall said: “This was a complex purchase due to the numerous ownerships of the site and a great deal of inspection work was required to ensure the commercial property was just right for the client.

“It’s pleasing to see a Lancashire business expand and the new premises will allow JJO continue to develop on a national level and grow within the manufacturing sector.”

Stephen Greenhalgh, managing director at JJO added: “We first spotted Victoria Works in 1989 and saw its huge potential. Now, JJO produces over 600 kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms each week so space and a quick purchase process was key.

“Armed with the new premises we are in a strong position to future-proof the company’s infrastructure. Confidence in our business model is high and we are looking forward to future growth.” JJO recently joined the likes of Formica Group and Sigma in being awarded the FIRA Gold certificate in recognition of their high-quality production. FIRA is a prestigious quality mark within the furniture sector. The company has also stipulated its commitment to sustainability, burning waste material to heat its premises.