New £2.5m research lab developed for plastics group
SIKA Liquid Plastics has appointed Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) to design
a new £2.5m research and development lab at its Lancashire headquarters.
Preston-based Sika Liquid Plastics, which was created when Swiss-based Sika bought family-owned Liquid Plastics two years ago, is to submit a planning application for the new laboratory by March 2012.
The company makes high-performance roof coating systems which have been used on prestigious projects such as the Tate Britain gallery and Selfridges in London, the the NEC Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and East Midlands Airport.
The new 12,500 sq ft laboratories will create a centre of excellence for the firm’s new technologies and will be built on land at its Miller Street headquarters. The proposal involves the partial demolition of an old Victorian weaving shed.
FWP said the project builds on its existing industrial expertise, which includes the £10m headquarters of Patak Spices and a £6.5m HQ and warehouse for cookware manufacturer Meyer Prestige.
Partner Martin Whittle said: “We have been working with both Sika Liquid Plastics and council planning officers on the project and we are about to submit a detailed feasibility study as part of that process.
“This is a significant investment for Sika Liquid Plastics and highlights the importance of the Preston operation to its parent group. It is also really good news for the city and its manufacturing sector.”
