Irish company to create over 100 jobs in Nottingham at new global manufacturing base

An Irish manufacturer has chosen a development site just outside of Nottingham as its new global manufacturing base and is set to create over 100 jobs at the site.

Davenham Switchgear, part of the Legrand group of companies, and a supplier of low-voltage (LV) switchgear to the hyperscale data centre market, has chosen Clowes Developments’ Fairham Business Park as the home of its new manufacturing site.

The company has been trading for over 40 years from its Dublin headquarters, where around 350 staff are based. The company says its expansion into the UK marks a “significant step in supporting the growing demands of global tech giants”.

The new 100,000 sq ft facility at Fairham Business Park, secured in a deal brokered by FHP Property Consultants, on behalf of global real estate investment manager, Hines, will manufacture LV switchgear for the world’s largest data centre operators. The technology plays a crucial role in supporting AI and cloud computing.

Chief executive officer at Davenham Switchgear, Tom Nicholson, said: “We’re excited to bring Davenham Switchgear to Nottingham, with our new site opening later this year. Nottingham’s strong transport links, academic talent, and innovative business community make it the ideal location for us to expand our manufacturing capabilities. With our established reputation in Ireland for delivering cutting-edge solutions, we’re looking forward to joining the thriving business scene in Nottingham and the wider Midlands region.

“If you’d like to be a part of the team, and play an essential role in driving forward a modern, digital economy of the future, we’d love to hear from you.”

Tim Gilbertson, equity director of FHP Property Consultants, added: “The letting of over 100,000sq ft in Nottingham’s foremost business location, Fairham Business Park, is a real boost for Nottingham and, indeed, the wider region.

“I am delighted that we managed to secure Davenham Switchgear as an occupier, on behalf of our clients, Hines, as it will bring jobs and investment to the region and complement the strong occupier line-up already at the business park.

“For all parties, this is a great deal and with other space under offer at Fairham Business Park, I look forward to bringing news of further transactions soon.”

Mickey Scott, director at Hines, added: “I am thrilled to have completed the deal with Davenham Switchgear, adding another notable occupier to our line up at Fairham Business Park. Having two of our three units at Fairham now let, and the other under offer, is testament to the quality of the buildings and location. We look forward to seeing more activity in 2025 at our remaining available sites in the East Midlands, Dove Valley Park and East Midlands Distribution Centre.”

Megan Powell-Vreeswijk, chief executive officer at Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, said: “It’s fantastic that our Invest in Nottingham team have been able to support Davenham Switchgear’s expansion into the area, bringing new jobs and investment to the region. Seeing a global company, which is a specialist in its field, choose Nottingham as a base demonstrates once again the strong offer we have here.”