WIRRAL property firm Smith and Sons has sold 1 Hickmans Road, in Birkenhead, to Kent-based Darcy Spillcare, an international manufacturer and supplier of spill prevention and control products.

The 27,000 sq ft warehouse and office facility sits on a one-acre site, close to Peel Holdings’ proposed Wirral Waters development.

Discussions between Smith and Sons and Darcy Spillcare began early this year, with the Kent company keen to re-locate its manufacturing arm to the Wirral as part of the firm’s wider expansion plans.

Sean Seery, of Smith and Sons, said: “It’s great to see Wirral recognised by a southern-based business as the ideal location for a move in terms of manufacturing.

“Darcy Spillcare was very clear on the type of commercial property and site that it needed, and we are pleased to have worked alongside them to secure the sale of this fantastic facility.

“Wirral offers a wealth of opportunity in terms of commercial property and 1 Hickmans Road is a large site providing extensive internal floor space and external storage and carriage area.”

Darcy Spillcare’s new site’s operation is expected to open in September.

Richard Proctor, of Darcy Spillcare, said: “The opening of this new manufacturing facility stems from Darcy’s growth over the last few years, and will enable us to meet with the ever- increasing demands for our growing range of environmental protection products and services.

“By making this move, we hope to speed up our supply times, increase our product range and enhance research and development facilities.

“Overall, we believe our launch of the Birkenhead site will improve efficiency and overall allow us to deliver even better customer care.”

Established in 1935, Darcy specialises in spill prevention and control, and in the provision of solutions to help sites to achieve environmental compliance.