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Alistair Cunningham, Graham Dean and Dave Tyrer, watch Fleur de Rhe-Philipeand Stephen Perkins, vice president of international research, design and development for Herman Miller, cut the first turf

Work begins on new Herman Miller manufacturing and distribution hub

Work has started on the building of a new manufacturing and distribution hub for for contemporary office furniture manufacturer Herman Miller in Melksham – a project that is being hailed as the biggest single investment project in the town in a generation.

The new location for Herman Miller on the former running track, previously owned by Wiltshire Council, will create 200 new jobs.

The firm’s international HQ in Chippenham will remain open. The redevelopment of the site will include the extension of Portal Road, which will link the Bowerhill Industrial Estate to the A350, and the firm will also provide a new pavilion for AFC Melksham, which currently sits in the way of the proposed development.

Cllr Fleur De Rhe-Philipe, Wiltshire Council’s associate director for economic development and planning, Alistair Cunningham, and the senior management team from Herman Miller attended a turf-cutting ceremony to mark the milestone.

Fleur de Rhe-Philipe said: ““This investment is a major coup for Melksham and a huge economic boost for the town.

“Herman Miller has had a long association with Wiltshire and is continuing to invest in the future prosperity of the county and the skilled and committed workforce.”

Graham Dean, director of UK Operations at Herman Miller, said: “Herman Miller, a global leader in the design and manufacture of office furniture, has had production facilities in the Wiltshire area for almost 40 years.

“We are now making a strategic investment in a new purpose-built 170,000 square foot facility in Melksham, while maintaining our existing international HQ offices in Chippenham.

“With good transport links, a committed workforce, and supportive public sector partners, we are confident this is the right location to support our long-term presence and growth.”