MAN Diesel's new UK facility gets underway

MAN Diesel has commenced the construction of a brand new multi-million pound Head Office at its PrimeServ UK location in Stockport.

The factory, formerly the home of the Mirrlees Blackstone business in Hazel Grove, celebrated its centenary in 2008, the same year that approval was given to the plans for this new facility.

Construction of the new MAN Diesel complex is to be completed by the end of this year, with the 120 strong workforce occupying the facility in Spring 2010. The new facility will consist of two purpose-designed buildings, incorporating over 20,000 sq ft of office accommodation together with a 90,000 sq ft warehouse unit, both being constructed within the seven-acre site.

The three-storey office accommodation will be the UK Headquarters for MAN Diesel whilst the second building will provide modern warehouse facilities storing spare parts for the company's range of diesel engines. It will also be the home to MAN Diesel’s enhanced UK Training Academy, one of only six, providing training to customers, employees and the local community.

Commenting on the first stage of the new build construction, Wayne Jones, Managing Director of MAN Diesel said, “The construction of our new head office complex is part of exciting times for the company as it allows us to focus on the continued growth of the business, which saw a 15% increase in sales last year. The new offices, warehouse and training academy are being built and furnished to the highest specification, reflecting the strong global brand of MAN Diesel.”

“The offices will provide a focal point for the site providing a prestigious building as the entrance to the company's UK Headquarters” added Wayne Jones.

With the capacity to house 180 employees, the design is sympathetic with the surrounding areas, with an extensive use of glazing to provide an attractive, modern and light feel to the building.

MAN Diesel is particularly concerned to ensure that the building has a minimal impact on the local environment and that the construction achieves the highest possible environmental performance. The finalised design for both buildings is anticipated to attain a significantly high BREEAM rating, which is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for building design and construction.

This substantial commitment to the long term future of MAN Diesel’s UK business continues the distinguished tradition of the company, providing worldwide aftersales, service and support to the Mirrlees Blackstone, Paxman, and Ruston range of engines that form an important part of the MAN Diesel global product portfolio.

“We anticipate being fully operational in the new facility by Spring 2010 and this will provide the company with a superb base from which we can further develop our long term global business plans,” concluded Wayne Jones.

(Source: The Motor Ship)