A leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bathroom products has 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.”
