Fujifilm opens new UK HQ in Bedford Borough
Fujifilm, the healthcare, materials and imaging company, has officially opened its new UK Headquarters - called Fujifilm House - just off Cardington Road in Bedford.
Earlier today, Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, joined staff from Fujifilm UK at the new site to give an opening speech, cut a ribbon and receive a tour of the building.
Several attendees also took part in a traditional Japanese Kagami Biraki ceremony, which involves jointly opening a wooden cask of sake to represent fortune, good will and new beginnings.
The high-specification headquarters building is just a stone's throw away from Fujifilm's previous HQ, which originally opened in 1983, highlighting the company's historic connection to the Bedford area. The signing of a new lease represents a new long-term commitment to the Borough and its residents.
Southill Estate, a Bedfordshire based family trust, own the land and funded development of the new business premises.
The cladding on the outside of the building fuses Fujifilm's Japanese roots with the local heritage and is adorned with shoji screens and designs that are reminiscent of the historic Bedfordshire Lace patterns that are synonymous with the Bedford area.
The new building has excellent (BREEAM) environmental credentials and provides over 30,000 square feet of attractive working space which embraces innovative sustainable features, including solar panels, and a built-in rainwater collection and storage system. Fujifilm has committed to installing bird boxes and spaces for local wildlife that replicates their natural habitats.
In his opening speech, Mayor Hodgson talked about the importance of innovative businesses such as Fujifilm setting up in the Borough and the high value jobs that it provides to local people. He also remarked on the growing contribution that Fujifilm is making to the UK economy through significant investment and the positive impacts that it has.
Mayor Dave Hodgson said "We're delighted to have Fujifilm opening their new UK headquarters, which will bring investment in technology and the sciences to Bedford Borough. We are excited to continue the great working relationship we have with them moving forward. I'd also like to thank Southill Estate and Graftongate for investing and developing such ambitious premises with sustainability and innovation at its heart. It's great to see that large-scale international organisations are taking note of the benefits that come with having their headquarters here in the Borough. Alongside great connections to surrounding areas, we also have competitively priced commercial spaces with a high skilled local workforce. I and Council officers will continue to support the growth of local businesses, and attract new inward investment in high-value sectors such as life science to generate wealth locally."
Tom Watanabe, Managing Director at FUJIFILM UK Limited added "In our 46-year history in the UK, Fujifilm has had a home in Bedford for nearly 40 of those years. Today, we bring all our skilled colleagues working across all of our business fields - from photography and data storage to healthcare and print - under one roof where, together, we hold the opportunities of innovation. I truly believe that the innovators of today and leaders of tomorrow are here in Bedford, and I am so excited when I think what this next chapter at Fujifilm holds."
Charles Whitbread of Southill Estate commented "The Estate is proud to deliver this attractive environmentally efficient building which cements Fujifilm's relationship with the Bedford area."
Colin Beasley of Graftongate added ''We are delighted to have worked with The Southill Estate, Fujifilm and Bedford Borough Council to deliver this outstanding building and sustainable working environment. The completion of Fujifilm House along with our 40 acre Bedford Link Business Park underlines the attractiveness of Bedford as a location for new and expanding business's given its excellent communication links and being at the centre of the Oxford/Cambridge Arc.''