Developer IM Properties has completed the pre-let of one of the largest distribution units in the West Midlands.

The 778,000 sq ft distribution warehouse, on Birch Coppice Business Park near Tamworth, has been taken by automotive component supplier Euro Car Parts (ECP) on a 20-year lease.

Due for practical completion in January 2016, the unit will include 47,500 sq ft of offices alongside four-level access doors and 64 dock doors.

Kevin Ashfield, senior development director at IM Properties, said: "This letting is great news for the local area as it will increase the number of jobs provided by Euro Car Parts to over 1,350.

"We have worked closely with Euro Car Parts for a number of months to design a bespoke national distribution centre that is designed around their sophisticated internal automation system."

The facility will stock over 150,000 different product lines and despatch over 200,000 items each night to the branch network.

ECP currently occupies over 600,000 sq ft of warehousing on the same estate which will be retained and transformed into a specialist facility for collision, coatings and green parts.

Chief executive Martin Gray added: "Actions speaks louder than words and this unprecedented investment demonstrates our long-term commitment not just to the UK aftermarket but to our customers and our people.

"We are determined to continue maximising our logistics capability and launch pioneering, unique and truly added-value solutions for our customers."

IM Properties completed the pre-let, with CBRE acting for Euro Car Parts in the search and acquisition of the new premises.