A ceremony is due to take place this week to mark the completion of the building of Herman Miller’s new manufacturing facility in Bowerhill, to be know as Portal Mill.
The 170,000 square foot development will bring together the company’s research and development, manufacturing and logistics operations into one state-of-the-art building, which will also showcase the company’s unique approach to designing office work space.
Richard Scott, vice-president, international operations at Herman Miller said, “It’s been great to watch the building take shape over the last year. This ceremony marks a key stage in the construction process and we are looking forward to starting the final phase, moving in.
“The consolidation of our two existing sites in Bath and Chippenham will increase efficiency, and enable us expand our operational capability. Customers will be able to visit the new space which will work alongside our international headquarters at Methuen Park, Chippenham, and enhance the customer experience significantly.”
Herman Miller has a long history in Somerset and Wiltshire, since its arrival in Bath in the 1960s. The WoodMill factory in Bath, and a manufacturing and logistics facility in Chippenham were both designed by leading contemporary architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, who has also designed the new building in Melksham. The company’s iconic office chairs and furniture are manufactured and assembled here, before being exported across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Fleur de Rhe Philipe, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for economic development and skills, said, “Herman Miller is a key employer in the region and we are delighted they chose Melksham as the site for their new manufacturing facility.
“The whole of the local community will benefit, not only from the regeneration of the site but also from the additional work on the link road connecting the Bowerhill estate to the A350.”
In addition, Herman Miller has provided a new sports pavilion for AFC Melksham who play on a field adjacent to the new development. The new facility has accessible facilities and extra changing rooms.
