The Princess Royal officially opened a new plant for world-beating manufacturer Sartorius Stedim at Stonehouse Park near Stroud.
The company was started by the Managing Director in his uncle’s garage in Gloucestershire in the 1990s, and is now part of a global business with 6,500 staff and a turnover exceeding 1.1billion Euros.
The new 9.2million-Euro facility was provided by developer Robert Hitchins Ltd, based in Gloucestershire.
The Princess Royal unveiled a plaque and toured the factory. “It’s nice to see something of such high quality, particularly in Stroud,” she said. “There has been an enormous attention to detail which reflects hugely on the people who work here.”
Founder and Managing Director of Sartorius Stedim Chris Biddell is pleased to move after more than 20 years at premises in Stonedale Road, Stonehouse.
“This is a landmark for Sartorius. It allows us to grow. It incorporates the latest technology, provides a more efficient work flow and meets the high standards required by our industry,” he said.
Property and Development Director for Robert Hitchins Ltd, Simon Tothill, said: “It has been good to work with the Sartorius team to create this world-class facility.
“It’s been a privilege to support a company that has grown from a local base to become a global player. It helps to cement Stonehouse Park as a high quality business location.”
The opening of the 50,000 sq ft building comes as Sartorius embarks on an ambitious expansion programme in Gloucestershire.
The 105-strong workforce is set to grow to 150 by 2022, with further expansion envisaged thereafter in a multi-million pound two-phase investment.
Initially called Vivascience, the UK operation became part of German giant Sartorius Stedim in 1999. It is now an industry-leading business which designs and manufactures laboratory filtration and diagnostic products, including medical devices.
Clients include global biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies who demand a state-of-the art environment.
The architects were Roberts Limbrick Ltd from Gloucester. The construction company was Barnwood Construction from Gloucester.
Robert Hitchins Ltd is one of the leading property developers in the South West and South Wales which deals with the full process from site acquisition and planning through to development and investment.
