CODING and marking specialist Linx Printing Technologies has unveiled its new, purpose-built UK headquarters.
The 41,000 sq ft development, at Compass Point Business Park in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire, was opened by the Huntingdon MP Jonathan Djanogly in a ceremony. Representing an investment of around £8m in manufacturing in St Ives, it brings together Linx employees in a single facility to replace separate buildings in Burrel Road, St Ives, where Linx has been based since 1989.
Mr Djanogly also toured the development, which took 43 weeks to complete, and houses research and development laboratories, sales and administration offices, manufacturing and assembly lines and storage and distribution areas, along with dedicated customer training facilities.
He said, “I was delighted to join Nigel and his team at Linx to officially open their new building. Our economy could not function without businesses such as Linx and the hardworking people who are behind them. Not only do growing businesses such as Linx make an invaluable contribution to our national growth but they are responsible for nearly half the job creation in the UK. It is very encouraging to see a well-established company like Linx investing in the local area by expanding its facilities and growing its business.”
In keeping with its approach to product development and manufacture, Linx has put sustainability at the forefront of the new building’s design.
Energy use is minimised by the highly-insulated composite panels used primarily in the building’s construction, heat recovery technology within air handling units and the use of low-energy LED lighting in most areas.
Solar panels on the roof will mean Linx itself can generate up to 13070 KwH per year, which will abate 6914kg of carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, the installation of a cycle locker room and showers is intended to make it easier for staff to cycle, rather than drive, to work.
Linx Managing Director Nigel Hood said, “The new headquarters building not only underlines Linx’s commitment to developing the leading coding and marking equipment for customers and the best working environment for employees, but also our environmental credentials as a conscientious local employer and an international manufacturer.
“This new facility will enable Linx to build even further on our success with state-of-the art product development, manufacturing, training and service facilities that will allow us to compete at the highest level in global markets.”