Construction starts on new Euro HQ at Kingsway Business Park

Robert Grafton, Cllr Mohammed Sharif, Stephen Boocock and David Beckett prepare to cut the first sod at CR Laurence's new European HQ at Kingsway.

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Construction has started on a new office and warehousing unit for US based glazing and stone firm CR Laurence at Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale.

The 71,000 sq ft building will feature a unique showroom facility called the ‘Will Call Trade Centre’ with around 50,000 products on display and an area for technical debate and solution finding, based on a model only found in the US.

The move will allow the company to expand within the European market and is expected to create a dozen new jobs in the first year and safeguard 50 existing positions.

Stephen Boocock, Managing Director of CR Laurence Europe, and David Beckett, Sales Director, met with Councillor Mohammed Sharif, Lead Member for Regeneration at Rochdale Council, and Robert Grafton, Development Director of Wilson Bowden developments, to mark the start of construction with a sod cutting on site.

Stephen Boocock said: “We have been extremely impressed by the Kingsway team who have made the whole process of securing new premises very simple. The design of the building is original and tailored to our needs and will allow us to grow and expand in the future. We chose Kingsway because it is a prestigious development with excellent motorway access next to junction 21 of the M62.”

The Kingsway Partnership involves developer Wilson Bowden Developments and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), supported by Rochdale Development Agency and Rochdale Borough Council. The new building has been designed by DLA Architects.

Councillor Mohammed Sharif said: “It is excellent to see a growing international business choosing to set up its European headquarters in Rochdale, which will create new jobs. The reputation of Kingsway Business Park as a high quality development in an extremely accessible location is growing.”

Robert Grafton, Development Director of Wilson Bowden Developments says the recent completion of a new £10 million road has opened up a further 107 acres of land for prime development. He added: “There are industrial units currently available ranging from 19,679 sq ft to 34,307 sq ft. Kingsway offers high quality contemporary premises with car parking. It’s set within a fantastic landscaped site boasting ponds and cycle paths. Metrolink will be arriving to the site in a few years, providing a fast connection to Manchester, Rochdale and Oldham, so the benefits of coming here are increasing all the time.”

C.R. Laurence is a leading supplier to the glazing, railing, architectural, construction, industrial, and automotive industries. Offering more than 50,000 different products, the company serves the industry from 25 locations.

The Rochdale operation manufactures, imports and supplies the glass and stone industry with the raw product as well as supplying hi-tech components such as glass cutting machines, tools and safety products. The stone division supplies Caesarstone, a hard-wearing stone available in a range of colours which is used widely in kitchens.