On 22 August 2024, the construction of Bauder’s new 44,000 sq ft distribution centre officially begun with the groundbreaking ceremony at Gateway 14, a business and logistics park near Stowmarket.
Bauder’s managing directors Yvonne Higgins and John Llewellyn, plus logistics manager, Ian Madgwick, were joined by representatives from Gateway 14, Mid Suffolk District Council, Jaynic, Freeport East, and Wilten Construction.
“This is a landmark day for Bauder,” said Yvonne Higgins, Managing Director of Bauder. “Our investment plan, to grow and strengthen our presence in the UK market, welcomes the new distribution centre to meet increasing demand, and is in line with our sustainability programme. This is the first part of a larger plan that will also see us expand our operational base in Ipswich and create further job opportunities at both our sites.”
As part of Gateway 14’s commitment to sustainability, Bauder’s new distribution centre will be designed to BREEAM Excellent standard, featuring an EPC A rating, EV charging, LED lighting, solar PV, smart energy systems, and rainwater harvesting. The site will also include integrated walking and cycling routes, public transport links, and high-quality landscaping to support local biodiversity and create a vibrant, healthy working environment.
The new facility, set to open in Spring 2025, will significantly increase Bauder’s storage capacity and enhance distribution capabilities. The warehouse will feature sustainable building design and renewable energy generation.
Sir Christopher Haworth, Chair of Gateway 14 Ltd, highlighted the significance of the new development, noting that it marks another important milestone for Gateway 14. He emphasised that, alongside plans for a new skills and innovation centre on site, the progress at Gateway 14 is starting to reveal its significance as a regional hub for today’s industries.
The new investment on the freeport site reflects Bauder’s broader commitment to strengthening its presence in Suffolk, supporting ongoing growth and expanding opportunities across the UK. This new facility will become Bauder’s largest distribution location in the UK, further cementing its operational footprint in the region. Bauder’s UK operational headquarters will continue to be based at Landseer Road, Ipswich.
Mid Suffolk District Council’s leader, Cllr Andrew Mellen, expressed his enthusiasm for Bauder’s new development, welcoming Bauder to Gateway 14, whilst also emphasising the council’s commitment to fostering an economy guided by environmental principles in Mid Suffolk as part of its aspirations for the site.
Steve Beel, Chief Executive Officer of Freeport East, expressed his delight at seeing a high-quality business like Bauder coming to Gateway 14. He noted that Bauder’s investment in the freeport will enable the company to grow and strengthen its presence in Ipswich and the broader UK market, demonstrating how the development can contribute to regional growth. He also highlighted that Bauder is well aligned with the types of industries Freeport East aims to attract, which will support efforts to bring more investment to the area.