The multinational Fujifilm – the world’s largest photo and imaging company – has broken ground for its new headquarters in Bedford.
The new £ 8 million HQ with a green focus is slated to open in the summer of 2022.
Fujifilm, which currently employs 320 people at its current headquarters on St Martins Way in Bedford, is moving just 250 meters to Cardington Road.
Left to right: Richard Creighton, Fujifilm UK; Nicola Brims, Fujifilm UK; Yoshitaka Nakamura, Fujifilm UK; Patrick Lyons, Acting Manager, Economic Growth and Development, Bedford Borough Council; Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough; Craig Austin, Environment Director, Bedford Borough Council
The new building will be three storeys high and offer almost 30,000 m² of office space as well as its own workshop and exhibition space.
The design of the new building, known as the Fujifilm House, is at the center of Fujifilm’s green guidelines and community values.
The project includes solar panels, rainwater collection systems and biodiverse landscaping in partnership with the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, all of which contribute to the sustainability of the building.
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Combining Fujifilm’s longstanding Bedford presence and the company’s Japanese heritage, the exterior of the building aims to incorporate design elements from Japan – such as Shoji screens and slats – as well as Bedford’s history of lace-making with intricate patterns into the design.
Since first relocating its UK logistics operations to Bedford almost 40 years ago, Fujifilm has grown into a global presence known not only for innovations in photography but increasingly also in healthcare.
It played a key role in helping the UK fight Covid-19 with the manufacture of vaccines, delivery of therapies and key diagnostic products to the frontlines and the community.
Yoshitaka Nakamura, Managing Director of FUJIFILM UK Ltd. said, “The history of Fujifilm has been one of transformation and reinvention and our new headquarters will reflect the next step on this journey and provide a location that is suitable for our future in the UK .
“As a company, Fujifilm has grown well beyond our iconic little green box of photographic film and now plays a pivotal role in the health and life science industries – something we have used to fuel efforts against Covid-19 here in the UK and around the world support world.
“The Fujifilm House will host our knowledgeable colleagues in and around Bedford and bring our diverse teams – from photography and large format printing to healthcare and diagnostics – together under one roof to advance culture, science, technology and industry and make one a better together and healthier world. “
Construction is currently underway with developer Graftongate, a company that shares a passion for greener initiatives and works with the local community.
Fujifilm has signed a 10-year lease with the landowners, the Whitbread family, who are also actively involved in the relocation project.
Bedford Mayor Dave Hodgson added, “Fujifilm has referred to Bedford Borough as its home for nearly 40 years and the investment and commitment to this new one
The facility will maintain and create high quality jobs in the district.
“The development at this gateway location is a strong vote of confidence in Bedford as a business location and I look forward to continuing to work with Fujifilm and do more business.”
Investment by existing and new businesses in the district. “