Bauder's top team were in Suffolk today as it celebrated the start of construction of a new distribution centre off the A14.

The international manufacturer - which makes construction materials for green roofs and solar PV arrays - is creating a 44,000sq ft hub at Gateway 14 in Stowmarket.

Bauder managing directors Yvonne Higgins and John Llewellyn, plus logistics manager Ian Madgwick led the ground-breaking ceremony at the business, innovation and logistics park.

They were joined by representatives from Gateway 14 Ltd, Mid Suffolk District Council, developers Jaynic, Freeport East and Wilten Construction.

The new facility will strengthen Bauder’s presence in Suffolk and support its growth across the UK.

Bauder’s UK operational headquarters will continue to be based in Ipswich – with plans to revamp its existing facility on Landseer Road – while the new centre at Gateway 14 will become its biggest distribution location in the UK.

The building is being developed by Gateway 14 - which is owned by Mid Suffolk District Council. Jaynic is its chosen developer, and the construction contract has gone to Leicestershire-based Wilten Construction.

Bauder specialises in quality flat roof waterproofing systems, insulation, green roofs and rooftop solar PV to make buildings watertight, thermally efficient and positively support the environment.

Its parent company in Germany has been producing roofing products for more than 160 years and now has seven factories in Germany, one in Austria and subsidiaries in 14 countries.

Yvonne Higgins of Bauder described it as "a landmark day" for the company.

"Our investment plan, to grow and strengthen our presence in the UK market, welcomes the new distribution centre to meet increasing demand, and is in line with our sustainability programme. 

"This is the first part of a larger plan that will also see us expand our operational base in Ipswich and create further job opportunities at both our sites.”

Gateway 14 chairman Sir Christopher Haworth said: “This is another welcome milestone for Gateway 14. 

"Alongside plans for the new skills and innovation centre on site, people can now see how Gateway 14 is taking shape and can start to understand its significance for the region as a hub for the green sector.”

Mid Suffolk District Council’s lead member for Stowmarket Cllr Colin Lay said: “We are delighted to welcome Bauder to Gateway 14 – the green economy is an emerging market that we are keen to encourage in Mid Suffolk and as part of our aspirations for Gateway 14.”

Jaynic development director Ben Oughton said they were making "strong headway" at the park.

Freeport East chief executive Steve Beel said: “We’re delighted to see such a high-quality business as Bauder coming to Gateway 14.

"With their investment in the freeport enabling them to grow and strengthen their presence in Ipswich and the UK market this development demonstrates how we can help deliver broader growth for our region.

“Bauder is also well aligned to the types of industry we are looking to attract across Freeport East and will support our efforts to bring more green sector investment to the area.”

Gateway 14 is already home to a new 1.17m sq ft distribution hub for garden and leisure retailer The Range, which is due to be fully operational soon, creating 1,600 jobs for the area.

Assan Panel, another manufacturer of eco-friendly construction materials, is also coming to the park.