1,000 jobs plan as Worcester heating firm defies the credit crunch

Bosch Thermotechnology and regional development agency Advantage West Midlands have announced plans to submit an outline planning application to Wychavon District Council, for the potential relocation of the company’s premises from their current site in Warndon, Worcester.

The market leader in domestic heating and hot water appliances, Bosch Thermotechnology, through its brands of Worcester and Buderus, has been enjoying rapid growth over recent years and the company currently employs around 1,800 people with 1,150 based at its Warndon facility.

The plans to develop some 35 hectares of land, to the south east of the M5, Junction 6 have evolved over recent months, following extensive consultations with local councillors, officers from Wychavon District Council, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council, plus key stakeholders including the Environment Agency and Highways Agency.

The outlined development plans will further reinforce the investment of the company within the region and will create a business environment within the Worcester area that will foster spin off growth for other companies.

The proposed site would be accessed off Pershore Lane and Newtown Road and will include public footpath connections across the site, connecting through to Warndon via the motorway footbridge.

A key element of the proposals includes the provision of an ecological corridor that would act as a green lung penetrating through the site, and following the alignment of the watercourse, which will require some diversion within the site.

The proposed development would form a new head office for Bosch Thermotechnology, and would comprise of manufacturing, distribution and research and development facilities.

The proposed site would also enable further expansion of Bosch Thermotechnology’s dedicated training facility to support new and existing Bosch products.

Training is a key activity for Bosch in providing qualified installers with a clear understanding of how homes can reduce their impact on the environment; ensuring they are better equipped to give customers well-informed advice on reducing carbon emissions and fuel bills.

Planning consultants, Barton Willmore will be co-ordinating a series of pre application consultation events for those interested in learning more about the proposals.

The first weekend of events will be held at Lyppard Grange Community Centre, Warndon, Worcester on the Friday 16th January 2009 from 4pm-7.30pm and on Saturday 17th January 2009 between 12noon and 4pm.

Similar events will be held in Tibberton Village Hall, Tibberton on Friday 23rd January 2009, between 4pm and 7.30pm and on Saturday 24th January between 12 noon and 4pm.

Richard Soper, UK managing director at Bosch Thermotechnology, said: “Having been in Worcester for 46 years we want to ensure that we remain in the area. As a company dedicated to looking at ways to conserve non-renewable energy resources and minimise environmental damage, the proposed new site has the right credentials.

“Through working closely together with Advantage West Midlands and the local economic planners we see a very positive opportunity for Bosch Thermotechnology and the local community. The project would offer both economic and environmental benefits that would contribute to the local strategic development.

“With growing interest in renewable technologies, Bosch Thermotechnology continues to expand its product range as it continues to invest in major research and development projects.

“Under the Worcester brand we will, for example, be launching two new air source heat pumps in the summer of 2009 to compliment the existing range of ground source heat pumps and solar panels.

“Other new technologies are also being developed here in Worcester and the expansion would create new high-tech job opportunities.”

Karen Yeomans, Corporate Director Operations at Advantage West Midlands, said: “Today’s announcement is a hugely significant one for Advantage West Midlands, Bosch Thermotechnology and the wider Worcester area.

“The development of a new headquarters for Bosch Thermotechnology and in a later phase, a wider Worcester Technology Park within the Central Technology Belt, would be invaluable for encouraging more technology rich companies and jobs into the area which would further promote Worcester’s role within the West Midlands economy.

“This is an excellent example of how Advantage West Midlands is making long-term plans for the economy to flourish when we emerge from the economic downturn.”