A leader in the
manufacture of kitchen and bathroom products has today announced plans to
create a state-of-the-art distribution, training and office unit in
Worcestershire.
Kohler Mira, parent
company of leading UK shower brand Mira Showers, is initially investing over
£20 million in the first phase of its 11.3-acre development.
Phase 1 of the scheme
will deliver a unit of 158,000 sq ft with a further phase delivering up to an
additional 100,000 sq ft.
The scheme will be
delivered by Stoford Developments at the successful Worcester Six Business
Park, situated just off Jct 6 of the M5 near Worcester. Kohler Mira, owned by
Kohler Co., represents the third significant inward investment into the
business park from a US investor. This is particularly exciting given Kohler’s
on-going global commitment to sustainability and corporate social
responsibility.
The sustainable
building will include high-tech features including a significant PV solar
array on the roof of the building providing a sustainable energy source.
Once installed the PVs could generate up to 1MW. This underlines the
company’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2035.
The company, which
manufactures Mira showers, taps and bathroom accessories, already has
operations in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Hull, has selected Worcester Six for
the latest phase of its UK growth.
The
reserved matters planning application was submitted yesterday (July 17) to Wychavon
District Council after consultation with local stakeholders. Birmingham-based
Stoford Developments has been appointed to deliver the first phase.
Construction could
start on site before the end of the year, subject to planning consent and would
seek to deliver Phase 1 by April 2019.
Liz Hazeldene,
managing director of Kohler Mira, said: “This is an exciting opportunity that
clearly reflects our continued investment in the UK.
“This purpose-built
facility is a result of both an increase in customer demand and the need to
meet future business requirements.”
Stoford director
Gerard Ludlow said: “Worcester Six is beginning to gain real momentum now and
this major inward investment in the region by Kohler Mira demonstrates that it
is being recognised as a key business location in the Midlands.
“We have already
recently announced the impending arrival of Siemens, Kimal and Spire
Healthcare, and we’re excited at Kohler Mira’s commitment to invest heavily in
this high quality development. We are also expecting to announce the delivery
of another tenant by the end of the summer.”
Worcestershire County
Council Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Infrastructure,
Councillor Dr Ken Pollock, said: "It's great to welcome Kohler Mira
as the fourth business to the Worcester Six Business Park. I'm looking forward to
seeing their unit take shape as, with the focus on sustainability, it will be
fascinating to see the state-of-the-art facility put into action."
