A SOUTHAMPTON marine manufacturer has made a multi-million-pound investment and expanded its premises creating new jobs.

CJR Propulsion, which supplies precision-engineered propeller and sterngear packages for commercial, leisure and superyacht brands has expanded its premises at Centurion Industrial Park, Bitterne Road and acquired the unit next door, formerly a gym, creating 12 new jobs.

The business instructed commercial property specialists Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) to negotiate the lease of the unit, which had been fully refurbished Colliers Capital on behalf of Staffordshire Pension Fund.

The company has also invested £3 million in new equipment to build on its position as one of the most advanced marine manufacturers in the country.

CJR supplies precision-engineered propeller and sterngear to commercial, leisure and superyacht brands.

Mark Russell, managing director of CJR Propulsion, said: “Centurion Industrial Park is in many ways the ideal home for us, so we are very grateful to LSH for helping us solve the problem of expanding our operations without the upheaval of a move to premises elsewhere.

“This expansion keeps us on track for future growth as we continue to invest in the latest technology to exceed our customers’ expectations and stay ahead of our competitors.”

Adrian Whitfield, director of industrial and logistics at the Southampton offices of LSH, added: “The lease on Unit K, where CJR have been based for several years, was due to expire – so as well as negotiating new terms for that unit, we also saw the opportunity to support the company in its expansion plans.

“With continued lack of supply and high demand for commercial units, moving into the adjoining unit L was a perfect solution, but there was work to do to bring that unit into line with CJR’s requirements.

“We are pleased to have negotiated new terms for the lease of the two units, including the full refurbishment of Unit L, and delighted that LSH’s expertise has been able to help facilitate this exciting new phase of growth for CJR Propulsion.”