A leading tyre and autocare specialist has opened a new base in the Black Country as part of a UK-wide expansion programme.

National Tyres and Autocare, the largest independent fast fit specialist in the UK, has taken a 6,136 sq ft unit at The Stourbridge Estate, which is owned and managed by London and Cambridge Properties Ltd (LCP).

The move has created five jobs and is the 13th new branch to open this year, bringing the company's network to 225 branches in total. In addition to tyres, the new outlet provides vehicle parts repairs including exhausts, brakes, batteries, MOT testing and vehicle safety inspections.

Michael Bourne, group marketing director for National Tyres and Autocare, said: "We have confidence in the business and are expanding despite the tough economy. We opened at Stourbridge because we felt there was a gap in our network and we saw the potential there.

"The size of the unit and the location were important factors. We need a centre big enough for our needs and with customer parking. We also wanted a location which was visible to passing traffic and accessible and this estate fits the bill."

The Stourbridge Estate, which is just off the main ring road, is popular with a range of businesses, from manufacturing and warehousing to leisure and trade outlets, and currently has units of 6,136 to 22,029 sq ft available to let very close to the town centre.

Businesses already on-site vary from Kwik Fit, Plumbase and Crown Paints to Dominos Pizza, an auctioneers company, Citroen motor dealers, the Chilly Kiddies Playzone and the go-karting Full Throttle Raceway.

LCP is one of the UK's largest private owners of industrial and retail property. Its total commercial property portfolio runs to 14 million sq ft which is held for long term investment purposes.