Work has begun on a
£20 million environmentally-friendly development that will bring a leading UK
kitchen and bathroom manufacturer to Worcestershire.
Kohler Mira, parent
company of Mira Showers, is the fourth occupier to announce its move to
Worcester Six this year, and marks a significant investment for the company,
which is expanding its UK operations.
Kohler Mira already
has sites in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Hull, and has selected Worcester Six
for the latest phase of its UK growth.
Stoford Developments
has appointed Bennimans, a Worcestershire-based contractor to construct the
distribution, training and office unit site for the manufacturer. The
developer expects to hand over the first phase, 158,000 sq ft unit by September
(2019). A further 100,000 sq ft of space could be constructed at a later
date.
Key to the
sustainable development is the inclusion of a large PV solar array on the roof,
which should generate up to 1MW and will help towards Kohler Mira’s aims to be
carbon neutral by 2035.
Wayne Walker, Vice President of Manufacturing – Global
Faucets at Kohler Co., said: “This purpose-built facility reflects both our
continued investment in the UK and our commitment to sustainability and the
environment.
“The new development is a result of both an increase
in customer demand and the need to meet future business requirements, and makes
us more agile and flexible to consumer needs.”
Stoford director, Gerard Ludlow, said: “We’re starting
2019 in positive mood as construction work begins on the Kohler Mira site at
Worcester Six, adding to two key developments that were completed last year for
Siemens and Kimal. It is clear this is a much-needed development that is
attracting high-calibre occupiers and bringing valuable inward investment and
jobs to the area. We’re looking forward to continuing work this year, bringing
forward further developments and new tenants.”
Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Member with
Responsibility for Economy and Infrastructure, Councillor Dr Ken Pollock,
said: "Work starting on the Kohler Mira site at Worcester Six marks
another step forward for this fantastically located Business Park.
"With Kimal, Siemens and Spire Healthcare already
successfully established on site, we hope news of Kohler Mira's state of
the art facility will help to attract further inward investment for the county
of Worcestershire."
Worcester Six
Business Park is located off junction 6 of the M5, near Worcester. It is one of the four key investment sites across the county
where Worcestershire County Council and its partners are looking to develop,
creating additional jobs.
