Manston are pleased to announce the successful disposal of their long-term industrial/logistics holdings in Rugeley to their sitting tenant, national logistics firm Hawkins Logistics.

This site comprises four industrial units covering some c. 60,000 sq ft of accomodation on a site of c. 7.7 acres, located a mile from the A51, and has been held under the Manston banner for some 30+ years.

Managing Director of Manston Investments, Tom Boardman-Weston, stated that, “This ends a long period of ownership in Rugeley for Manston – and we are pleased to be passing ownership over to a firm well-established in the area. While it is certainly not un-heard of to sell property to a sitting tenant – this is the first such deal I have undertaken, and it did pose a few new questions! However, Hawkins were the logical acquiror for this site and I am pleased that we have been able to work with them to transfer ownership. Whilst this was a complicated deal with a few twists & turns on the way – we are very pleased to have worked alongside Gareth Hawkins and Peter Burton and to have completed this deal, and wish Hawkins all the best for the future on this site.”

We are eager to re-invest the proceeds of this deal back into the commercial property market – and are currently reviewing a number of interesting opportunities across the industrial, retail, office and leisure sub-sectors.”

Gareth Hawkins, Group Finance Director of Hawkins added, “Hawkins Logistics is delighted to complete the acquisition of the Rugeley site from Manston Investments, following almost a decade of operating successfully as their tenant. We are grateful to Manston Investments for their support over the years, and we are pleased to take this important step together as we secure the long‑term future of the site.”

This acquisition is a strategic milestone for Hawkins Logistics. The Rugeley site is central to our operational footprint, supporting a significant proportion of our fleet of over 100 HGVs and 200 trailers. Securing ownership allows us to further invest in the site’s extensive workshop and warehousing facilities, strengthen our operational resilience, and provide continuity and certainty for the long‑standing businesses and tenants who also operate from the location.”

Beyond its operational role, the Rugeley site has become a well‑loved community asset. Over the years it has supported events such as the Brereton Carnival, classic car meets, Scout activities, Santa floats, and local running clubs. By taking full ownership, we are reaffirming our commitment not only to our long‑term growth strategy, but also to the local community that has supported us for generations.”

Manston were advised on this deal by Fiona Thompson-Butler of Landsmiths Solicitors and Charles D’Auncey & Andrew Groves of Harris Lamb Chartered Surveyors