Global coding and marking specialist Linx Printing Technologies has unveiled its new, purpose-built UK headquarters. The 41,000ft2 development, at Compass Point Business Park in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, was opened by the Huntingdon MP Jonathan Djanogly on 26 March.
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.
Djanogly also toured the development, which took 43 weeks to complete and houses R&D laboratories, sales and administration offices, manufacturing and assembly lines and storage and distribution areas, along with dedicated customer training facilities. He said: '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.'
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.
'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,' said Linx Managing Director Nigel Hood.
'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.'