A power tools manufacturer has celebrated the start of construction at its new £9.5m Suffolk Business Park, Bury St Edmunds.
Festool, which has been based at Saxham Business Park at Bury St Edmunds for 20 years, is building a new 2,800sq m facility a few miles away at Suffolk Business Park.
UK managing director Ole Held took part in a ground-breaking event at the site.
The two-storey headquarters which includes a warehouse, office space, demonstration and meeting rooms, as well as a service centre, cafe and show zone, is being built by Ipswich-based Barnes Construction.
When completed in spring 2019, Festool’s 40 UK office-based employees will move from Saxham Business Park to their new home.
Construction consultancy Pick Everard designed the building and is managing the project on behalf of Festool.
Senior building surveyor Jeremy Ault said: “We were originally appointed to evaluate the options and relocating to Suffolk Business Park became the most attractive and economical choice.
“Importantly, and to reflect Festool’s approach to reducing CO2 emissions, the building is designed to achieve a BREEAM rating of excellent and will be completely electric and powered by photovoltaic cells on the roof.”
The Churchmanor Estates Company, which is developing Suffolk Business Park, brokered the Festool deal.
Director Martin Sylvester said: “It’s great news that Festool has taken the initiative and decided to spearhead the growing number of businesses choosing to base their operations on this prominent 57-acre multi-purpose Business Park.”
Councillor John Griffiths, leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council welcomed the new development.
“We’re delighted that Festool is expanding onto Suffolk Business Park and bringing more jobs to West Suffolk. The council played a lead role through investment and negotiation to secure both the land for Suffolk Business Park and the delivery of the Eastern Relief Road.
“This will enable successful local businesses to further their commitment to the area and their local workforce, while also creating opportunities, employment and skills development that will further drive greater prosperity for our residents.”
