Construction work has started on a state-of-the-art UK headquarters for leading global cleaning equipment manufacturer Kärcher.
The German company, which makes a range of cleaning equipment for both consumers and commercial users, will move to the new 84,500 sq ft complex at Banbury Point in Banbury on completion of construction in the summer of 2016.
Essex-based Readie Construction has been appointed by Leamington-based land owners and developers A C Lloyd to construct the three-storey building at the prime 6.5 acre site, created close to Junction 11 of the M40. Oxford based Minns Network Developments have been appointed by A C Lloyd to project manage the development.
Kärcher in the UK has more than doubled its sales in the past five years. To reflect this, the new headquarters will be almost double the size of Kärcher’s current base on Beaumont Road in Banbury, and feature offices, an academy, a retail centre and training facilities as well as a warehouse and workshop allowing for further expansion.
Julia Streeter of Kärcher, said: “It is pleasing to see work underway and it will be great to see our new headquarters rising out of the ground in the next few months.
“We have been keeping our staff informed of the development, many of whom live locally so they will able to see its progress.
“We are growing rapidly but remaining close to our Banbury roots has always been at the centre of our plans due to the expertise and loyalty of our staff.
“This new headquarters will be a very different environment and will reflect the advances the company has made and its plans for the future.”
Kärcher, a family-run firm, marks its 80th anniversary this year. It has been based in Banbury since 1978 and has grown from an eight strong team to employ almost 300 people.
Des Wynne, director of A C Lloyd, said: “Kärcher is a truly global name so we are delighted that they have chosen to occupy this key site on the M40 corridor.
“It will be a high profile landmark building designed to help take the company forward and allow it to continue its growth. There is always a great deal of competition for successful international companies, so it is very good news that Kärcher is remaining in the town.”
The new headquarters will be the first time Readie Construction has worked in Banbury.
Managing director Stuart Read said: “We operate mostly in the South East and the Midlands but this is the first time we have worked in Banbury and also the first time we have been contracted by AC Lloyd, and it is a major project for us.”
