Illingworth and Gregory Ltd (I&G), based in Milnsbridge, has secured a tender to implement significant changes at the 3M BIC as part of the HIIP, following a tough procurement process, which saw 11 companies bid for the work. They will work alongside Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) that are providing architectural services.
Work will include adjustments to internal and external doors to accommodate large equipment, fittings for gas and water in numerous rooms, and building internal walls.
Michael Wilson, 3M BIC centre manager and HIIP director, said: “Significant modifications to the centre have to be made to house the new facilities we are investing in as part of the HIIP. Some of the technology is quite big or require temperature-controlled environments and gas and water supplies, so we’re having to widen doors and build specific internal spaces to accommodate them. It’s all hands-on deck to get the work complete before Spring.”
Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “This is an exciting time for the team at the Huddersfield Innovation and Incubation Project as well as local businesses and entrepreneurs who will have access to world-class, industry leading facilities within months.
“Leeds City Region has a growing reputation for innovation and invention, and Kirklees companies, particularly those in the precision engineering, manufacturing and digital sectors, are playing a significant role in driving innovation-led growth. Services such as these – alongside the LEP’s own Access Innovation programme that provides funding and support for businesses who want to develop new products and process – will ensure this reputation strengthens even further in the years to come.”
Cllr David Sheard, West Yorkshire Combined Authority member and Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “By giving local businesses access to the tools and technology they need to modernise, invent and transform, the Huddersfield Innovation and Incubation Project (HIIP) is helping to boost our local economy and increase our innovation capacity. Local Growth Deal funding is supporting Kirklees companies to compete on the national and international stage for digital, design and smart manufacturing as well as create jobs and grow the economy for the long-term.”
