A new 44,000 sq ft distribution centre at Gateway 14, Stowmarket has been handed over to manufacturing business Bauder.
The building, at the region’s largest business, innovation and logistics park, is set to strengthen Bauder’s presence in Suffolk and support its growth across the UK.
The firm, which specialises in construction materials for flat roofs, green roofs and solar panels, will continue to have its UK operational headquarters at Landseer Road in Ipswich, which is to be expanded.
The new centre at the Gateway 14 Freeport East site will be its biggest distribution centre in the UK.
The building was developed by Jaynic and built by Wilten Construction on behalf of Gateway 14 Ltd, a subsidiary of Mid Suffolk District Council.
Representatives from each organisation joined Freeport East at a ceremony on July 29 to formally handover the new build to Bauder’s joint managing directors Yvonne Higgins and John Llewellyn.
Yvonne said: “The completion of our Gateway 14 distribution centre marks a milestone for Bauder. It represents both our growth and confidence in maintaining our high standards while meeting increasing demand in the UK market. We’re thrilled to have achieved this in line with our sustainability programme, and with the employment opportunities it brings to the region.”
Gateway 14 chairman Sir Christopher Haworth said: “I am delighted to welcome Bauder officially to Gateway 14. Their presence reinforces Gateway 14’s significance for the region as an emerging centre of excellence for the green sector, delivering high quality jobs, and acting as a catalyst for the regeneration of Stowmarket town centre.”
The deal follows the recent include lettings to Turkish-owned building materials producer Assan Panel.
Construction has started on the £18m three-storey Stowmarket Innovation Gateway – a 35,000 sq ft skills and innovation centre which will be owned by Mid Suffolk District Council, providing office space for high-growth start-ups, collaboration and innovation spaces, training and meeting rooms and a café.
Ben Oughton, development director for Jaynic, said: “Gateway 14 is now firmly established as the leading business, innovation, and logistics park in Suffolk and further negotiations are underway with major occupiers.
“With Bauder now in occupation, Assan in the pipeline and the Stowmarket Innovation Gateway under construction, Gateway 14 is becoming a truly mixed-use scheme – with an emphasis on sustainable development – attracting a variety of users that will benefit the regional economy in this part of East Anglia.”
Image shows (l-r holding the key): Yvonne Higgins, joint managing director of Bauder; Ian Madgwick, logistics manager for Bauder; John Llewellyn, joint managing director for Bauder – with representatives from Gateway 14 Ltd, Mid-Suffolk Council, Freeport East, Jaynic and Wilten Construction. Photo: Rebecca Bacon
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