Pictured above: Ian Lennox

Japanese companies remain hugely important to the future of the West Midlands, according to a legal expert.

Ian Lennox, a consultant at international legal practice DLA Piper, said they continued to offer a shining example to the under-pressure manufacturing sector as role models for others.

His comments follow Telford-based Hoshizaki's recent move into new premises - the firm specialises in the production of commercial ice-making machines.

Mr Lennox, who advised on all matters relating to the acquisition of Telford 70 on Stafford Park industrial estate, said: "There are a large number of Japanese companies in Telford and they remain an important element in the West Midlands economy.

"And it is good to see expansion and investment like in this case.

"Hoshizaki is driving forward and the region is fortunate to have such go-ahead companies like this.

"With 80 per cent of its products exported, this business is a success story and we are fortunate that it is located in this area."

Hoshizaki has doubled the size of its premises to 70,000 sq ft, safeguarding more than 40 jobs and creating a handful of new positions with support and advice from One Telford and Advantage West Midlands.

DLA Piper had to move fast to secure the new site.

Mr Lennox said: "The transaction had to be carried out with speed as the seller had already issued a draft contract to another party and would only withdraw this on payment of a non-refundable deposit."

Hoshizaki, which had been in a nearby leasehold unit, has moved its distribution depot from Amsterdam to the new factory.

The Telford site is part of Hoshizaki Europe, which started trading in 1992. It has a wide range of catering customers, including producing ice flaking machines for the fish retailing sector, and "pure" ice cubes for restaurants and hotels.

"Over the years, the market for ice has grown significantly and now includes the healthcare sector, educational establishments, laboratories and food processing plants," a Hoshizaki spokesman said.

Hoshizaki Europe's parent company, Hoshizaki Electric Corporation, was established in February 1947 in Nagoya, Japan.

Today it has 46 affiliated companies around the world with 10,000 employees.