Oldbury manufacturer Glass Express Midlands has expanded by purchasing its rented premises and two adjoining buildings.

The company, established by Salinder Singh in 2008, made the undisclosed investment after securing a financial package from NatWest Commercial Banking and Lombard.

The company, which employs 25 people, makes and supplies flat glass to trade clients, including providing flat glass for high-rise buildings, and can now boast more than 170 customers throughout the UK.

Mr Singh said the company’s directors were concerned growth was restricted by operating from short term leasehold premises on the Anglo African Industrial Estate in Oldbury and the investment means the firm now has premises totalling more than 30,000 sq ft.

The firm is also using the additional unit space to develop a new blind system for usage in double glazed window units.

The blinds go into production at the end of March and the company already has firm orders for this product.

Mr Singh said: “Our only limitation has come from the size of our premises and the short term lease.

“It became essential for us to invest in the company and purchase our current premises as well as the two adjoining buildings for the benefit of the business, our staff and our customers.

“Now with our new enlarged premises we can not only grow our flat glass business, but also exciting new ones such as the blind system.”

Sukhjeevan Nat, senior relationship manager with NatWest Commercial Banking in Birmingham, who arranged the financial package, said the bank was pleased to be able to help give financial backing to a successful manufacturer.

He added: “In these challenging economic times, it really is great news to see a local manufacturing business not only thriving, but also growing.”