Kohler Mira has started to build a new £20 million distribution centre at a massive new business park called Worcester Six located off junction six of the M5.
Underlining confidence in its UK operations, the facility in Worcester will complement the KBB manufacturer’s sites in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Hull.
The US company said it will be environmentally-friendly with the inclusion of a large PV solar array on the roof generating up to 1MW and helping towards Kohler Mira’s aims to be carbon neutral by 2035.
Wayne Walker, vice president of manufacturing, global faucets at Kohler, 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.”
The parent company of Mira Showers is the fourth occupier to announce its move to Worcester Six this year.
Worcestershire-based contractor Bennimans will construct the distribution, training and office unit site for the manufacturer.
The first phase, a 158,000sq ft unit, is expected to be handed over to Kohler Mira for kitting out this September. A further 100,000sq ft of space could be constructed at a later date.
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 one of the four key investment sites across the county where Worcestershire County Council and its partners are looking to develop, creating additional jobs.
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Pictured above: Front row (L-R): Liz Hazeldene, managing director, Kohler Mira; Emma Foster, associate director – marketing, Kohler Mira; Gary Woodman, chief executive, Worcestershire LEP. Middle row: Gerard Ludlow, director, Stoford; Craig Baker, deputy managing director, Kohler Mira; Ash Meakins, HR director, Kohler Mira; Cllr Dr Ken Pollock, cabinet member responsible for economy and infrastructure, Worcestershire County Council; Shawn Riley, inward investment manager, Wychavon District Council. Back row: Stuart Emmerson, Invest in Worcestershire Manager, Worcestershire LEP; Sarah Smith, HR director – global faucets, Kohler Co; Cllr Richard Morris, deputy leader of Wychavon District Council and portfolio holder for economic growth and tourism.