Avant Tecno HQ takes shape by A14 at Bury St Edmunds

Loader maker Avant Tecno is creating a 32,200sq ft building at Suffolk Business Park, a 57-acre site near junction 45 of the A14. Works are due to be completed by August 2024.

Site developer Churchmanor Estates is working with construction firm SEH French - both of which are Ipswich-based - on the prestige project.

Finnish ambassador to the UK Jukka Siukosaari joined Avant Tecno UK managing director Raimo Ala-Korpi for the ground-breaking ceremony on October 19.

Representatives from Robinson Arnold, Holmes Plant & Construction, LSI Architects, Conisbee, Richard Utting Associates and West Suffolk District Council were also there to mark the occasion. 

The site will be home to the fast-growing company’s UK operations and is set to include dealer training facilities, flexible collaborative workspaces, efficient and automated warehouse technology, and a technical workshop. 

When completed, the company will move from its rural base at Manor Farm, Bridgham, Thetford, where it has been based since 1994.

The new development will see the company move from its rural base near Thetford, where it has been located since it began operating the in the UK in 1994. It will employ around 30 staff on site. 

Mr Ala-Korpi said the ceremony marked the start of "an exciting era" for the company. 

“Avant has enjoyed a sustained period of growth in recent years and, as a consequence, we have outgrown our existing warehouse and office facilities," he said.

"Our new purpose-built UK headquarters represents a significant investment and is a commitment to the future for our dealers and end user customers.  

“We're looking forward to seeing work get underway on the construction of our new premises.” 

Avant Tecno UK provides multi-functional loaders for use in sectors including farming, landscaping and construction. 

Neil Pryke, contracts manager for SEH French, said they were thrilled to be involved in the project. 

“Suffolk Business Park is a great example of the opportunities available in the county for large companies like Avant, and we are honoured to be supporting them in their growth. 

“Our appointment is testament to the quality of work we deliver, and we look forward to working with partners on this exciting development.” 

Matt Cloke, Development Director at Churchmanor Estates, said the company was an acknowledged market leader in its sector.

"So we were delighted to be asked to work with them to bring to life their vision for a new bespoke UK HQ, warehouse, and showroom," he said.  

“This is an important investment not just for Suffolk Business Park, but for West Suffolk as well, and we’re looking forward to seeing the project progress over the next 10 months.”