American company announces Kingsway move

Robert Grafton, Wilson Bowden with Simon Boocock from C R Laurence.

USA based company C R Laurence has announced that it is set to expand its European operations with new premises at Kingsway Business Park.

The organisation, which is a leading supplier to the glazing, construction and architectural industries, has signed a contract for brand new offices and warehousing unit totalling 71,000 square feet.

Earlier this year CR Laurence acquired Rochdale based Ebor, a successful business that had been growing within the borough for 30 years, with the aim of establishing a European headquarters.

Former Ebor partner Simon Boococks is now managing director of C R Laurence's European operations, which also includes a major business in Stuttgart, Germany.

The new premises will have a bespoke design and will allow the company to grow.

Around a dozen new jobs will be created in the first year, ranging from warehousing to technical sales, with a capacity to take on many more people as the business expands within the European market.

The former Ebor premises at Gorrels Way, which currently employs 55 people, will also be retained, with the majority of staff relocating to Kingsway when construction of the premises is completed next summer.

Simon Boocock said: "It is an exciting time for C R Laurence with these major expansion plans. We chose Kingsway Business Park because it is a prestigious development site within a pleasant environment, which will continue to grow and develop.
"The location was crucial. It has excellent motorway access and is also close to our existing UK offices, which is great for our employees and visiting customers."

The latest deal for Kingsway Business Park seals its international appeal, with Japanese Takeuchi already operating there, also with Vindon Scientific who recently announced plans for further expansion across Europe.

Robert Grafton, development director at Wilson Bowden Developments, said: "We are extremely pleased to welcome C R Laurence to Kingsway Business Park. The organisation, which operates in the USA, Canada, Australia and Germany, has chosen Kingsway as its new European headquarters, confirming the quality offer here."

John Hudson, chief executive of Rochdale Development Agency, announced the deal today (Thursday 7 October), saying: "This is fantastic news for Rochdale and will mean new local jobs.

"The Kingsway Partnership will provide residents with training and up-skilling so that they can take advantage of the opportunities that will be created.

"It is excellent to see a growing international business choosing to set up its European headquarters in Rochdale, safeguarding jobs as well as creating new positions."

Damien Bourke, Policy and Partnership manager at the North West Development Agency, said: "It is excellent to see jobs being created and safeguarded for local people and to see that companies are recognising the benefits of basing themselves at Kingsway. This will further raise private sector confidence in Kingsway Business Park, which is key to driving forward the local economy in Rochdale."