South Korean multinational chooses Yorkshire for HQ

SOUTH Korean boiler manufacturer KD Navien has chosen Rotherham as its UK headquarters, where it plans to recruit up to 100 employees.

The company also plans to open training centres and an R&D facility in the Sheffield City Region by 2017.

The firm is part of the KD group which has a turnover in excess of £4.6bn.  KD Navien, the heating technology arm of the company, made £206m turnover in 2013 and is on target for £264m in 2014. 

Progress has been made in establishing a UK workforce in Rotherham.  Already five employees are in post and five more currently advertised.

KD Navien’s UK representative, Graham Parkes, said: “There is an ambitious plan for growth with the goal to recruit up to 100 employees and open training centres by 2017.

“In the UK we have two bases, the European HQ in London and the UK HQ in Sheffield City Region.

“The opportunity for growth is significant and we are confident we have the right products and support to take the UK by storm.”

The business is based at Moorgate Crofts.

Matthew Choi, European MD for KD Navien, added: “This is our first step into launching throughout Europe and I am very excited about progressing our strategy in this market.”

James Newman, chairman of Sheffield City Region LEP said he is delighted to welcome an international company of the calibre of KD Navien to the City Region.

“I am confident the company will continue to grow their business in the UK and use it as a springboard for European markets,” he said.

“The ambitious plans for a heating technology R&D facility in the City Region complement our strengths in innovating new advanced manufacturing techniques.”

Councillor Dominic Beck, cabinet member for business growth and regeneration for Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, said the move is helping to build the town’s growing reputation as a global centre for modern manufacturing and technology.
 
“With the world-class facilities we already have at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), the headquarters of KD Navien in Moorgate Crofts will join our growing community of global businesses in the town and will help to boost further growth in the sector,” he said.

“This continues our ongoing efforts to create high value long-term sustainable jobs in Rotherham and retain our highest skilled locally.
“It is important a modern economy is a well-balanced one that is able to provide employment opportunities for all.”