Firm cuts ribbon to new furniture headquarters

Parker Knoll staff and special guests celebrate the opening of their new state-of-the-art facility on Castlewood Business Park which was officially opened by Stephen McPartland, MP and Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Furniture Group, Liveryman of the Furniture Makers' Company and the Chairman of Board Directors of the Furniture Ombudsman.

Parker Knoll has moved production to a 100,000 sq ft manufacturing facility at Castlewood Business Park, and MP Steve McPartland - chairman of the Furniture Ombudsman - was on hand to open the huge new headquarters.

The Stevenage MP said: “It is a great privilege to open this modern facility for Parker Knoll in Castlewood, which will quickly become the platform for another resurgence in British furniture manufacturing.

“Parker Knoll is one of the most recognised brands in the furniture world.

“Many people do not realise it was the first to advertise nationally, and today the 250 plus staff here are building on that amazing heritage.”

Donna Bellingham, Parker Knoll commercial director, said: “This is a very exciting time.

“Moving our operations to Castlewood provides us with an excellent platform for improving our operations and sustaining further market growth.

“The new site provides a fantastic base, with great transport links and modern technologies.”

Ben Burbidge, the newly-installed master of the industry’s patron, The Furniture Makers’ Company, added: “This specially-commissioned factory is a fantastic accomplishment and we congratulate them for it.

“As the industry’s charity, we want a thriving furnishing industry with a talented workforce that delivers high-quality products.

“Parker Knoll’s investment in the latest manufacturing technology and designated employee training space exemplifies this belief.”