Construction of a new Bauder distribution centre has begun at Gateway 14 in Stowmarket, Suffolk.
Bauder, an international manufacturer of flat roof building construction materials including solutions for green roofs and solar PV arrays, will continue to be headquartered in Ipswich, although the new facility at Gateway 14 will be its biggest distribution location in the UK.
Yvonne Higgins, Bauder’s operations director, said: “This a landmark day for Bauder. Our investment plan, to grow and strengthen our presence in the UK market, welcomes the new distribution centre to meet increasing demand, and is in line with our sustainability programme.
“This is the first part of a larger plan that will also see us expand our operational base in Ipswich and create further job opportunities at both our sites.”
Sir Christopher Haworth, chair of Gateway 14, said: “This is another welcome milestone for Gateway 14. Alongside plans for the new skills and innovation centre on site, people can now see how Gateway 14 is taking shape and can start to understand its significance for the region as a hub for the green sector.”
The building is being developed by Gateway 14, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mid Suffolk District Council, and its development manager Jaynic. The construction contract has been awarded to Leicestershire-based Wilten Construction.
Jaynic’s development director, Ben Oughton, said: “We are pleased to be making strong headway at Gateway 14 where potential occupiers see the benefits that the park provides with its freeport status as well as underlining its locational advantages sitting next to Junction 50 of the A14. This provides direct trunk road access into the UK motorway system.”
Gatway 14 is part of Freeport East, one of 12 total freeports in the UK. These special economic zones were created by the previous government in 2021 to in an attempt to ‘boost investment into parts of the country that have historically missed out.
Steve Beel, CEO of Freeport East, said: “We’re delighted to see such a high-quality business as Bauder coming to Gateway 14. With their investment in the freeport enabling them to grow and strengthen their presence in Ipswich and the UK market, this development demonstrates how we can help deliver broader growth for our region.
“Bauder is also well aligned to the types of industry we are looking to attract across Freeport East and will support our efforts to bring more green sector investment to the area.”
