ACO Technologies plc has completed the first phase of the ambitious redevelopment of its UK manufacturing facilities. The £13m site expansion was officially opened by Susan Lousada, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Lord Deben, Chairman of the UK’s Independent Committee on Climate Change, and renowned architect Michael Pawlyn, in a ceremony on 28th September.
The completion of the first phase will see ACO significantly increase the number of products it can hold on-site, allowing it to respond to customer needs more efficiently. This is thanks to a new 141,000 sq ft warehouse and yard. The expansion also means ACO is reducing its need for third-party storage and transportation of its products, helping it to reduce carbon emissions and become more sustainable.
Pivotal to the entire site development was the protection of habitats and enhancement of biodiversity. In addition to caring for the surrounding water by diverting the nearby stream, ACO has transformed the former farmland into an area where biodiversity can flourish. This has been achieved through planting over 10,000 trees and shrubs, which will introduce new wildlife to the area, as well as pollinator-friendly plants. ACO Bat Boxes and Nest Boxes have also been installed throughout the development, providing shelter for bats and small birds, including blue tits.
In addition to Susan Lousada and Lord Deben, renowned architect Michael Pawlyn, who specialises in nature-based solutions and regeneration also supported the launch of the site, where he delivered a keynote address. Michael’s experience aligns with ACO’s commitment to help create a built environment that can harmonise with nature by providing sustainable solutions for effective surface water management.
