Dräger announces plans to build new multi-million pound UK headquarters near its existing Blyth facility
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The Dräger Group’s board has approved plans to acquire land in the North East for a new UK base and work is underway to develop more detailed plans and to select a suitable location.
The new site is expected to be considerably larger than the company’s existing 36,000sq m Blyth site, home to its UK Safety division. Dräger is a medical and safety technology company and manufactures breathing apparatus and gas detectors in Northumberland.
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Hide AdThe Blyth base will remain in use for the immediate future and a decision has not yet been made on its long term future. The company intends to retain all of its existing Northumberland staff, which will influence site selection for the headquarters.
Malcolm Irving, managing director of Dräger’s safety division UK and Ireland, said: “I am delighted to be able to reaffirm our commitment to the North East.
“The new plans seek to enable the expansion of our operations in line with our anticipated growth projections over the coming years.
“Ensuring that we retain the skills and experience of our exceptionally committed and talented staff, many of whom have worked with Dräger here in Northumberland for many years, was instrumental in our decision to not only remain, but to further invest, in the North East over the coming years.”
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Hide AdIt is too early to say if new jobs will be created in the county as a result of the plans, but the project will involve a multi-million pound investment and job creation is possible in the long term.
The new site will accommodate R&D, manufacturing, sales, service, and support, all with an overarching focus on the company’s sustainability targets.
Stefan Dräger, chairman of the executive board, said: “This decision endorses our confidence in the UK for future business. Our site in the north east of England is an integral part of our global operations function.
“Blyth is a centre of excellence for the production of our breathing apparatus for global demand.
“The decision to invest in this project demonstrates our commitment to the future growth of the UK and to our people.”