Cooke & Arkwright
News
Sanken powers ahead with new R&D facilities
28/09/06
Sanken Power Systems (UK) Limited has sold its 60,000 sq ft Design and Manufacturing Centre at Abercynon near Mountain Ash to Hawtin Plc for a figure in excess of £2.5m. Acting on behalf of Sanken in the sale, Jeremy Symons of Cooke & Arkwright, who acted with joint agents on behalf of Sanken in the deal, said that the Japanese semi-conductor and power electronics specialist would be moving to new, purpose built premises at Pencoed, Bridgend, some time in early 2007.
“Cooke & Arkwright’s building surveying department is project managing the development of new 20,000 sq ft research and development facilities in Bridgend,” said Mr Symons. “Most of the highly skilled workforce at Abercynon will transfer some time in the new year when the building is completed.”
Cooke & Arkwright has subsequently been in active discussions on behalf of Hawtin, with potential new occupiers for the Abercynon site. “The premises are in excellent condition and we are confident of attracting occupiers who will bring new jobs to the community. We hope to be able to make an announcement in the near future,” said Mr Symons. Richard Hayward, chief executive of Hawtin plc said, “We are delighted to add the former Sanken premises to our portfolio and look forward to welcoming new occupiers who will bring investment and employment opportunities with them.”
Sanken will concentrate its highly skilled research and development capabilities at its new Bridgend headquarters on generating optimum performance, cost savings, continued miniaturisation and advanced mechanical design in sectors such as consumer, automotive, white goods and gaming. A spokesperson for the company said that Sanken is making a considerable investment in the new facility at Bridgend, clearly demonstrating confidence in the local workforce and Sanken’s commitment to advancing its R&D capabilities in the south Wales area. Sanken Electric Co., Ltd was established in Japan in 1946 and opened its European Design and Manufacturing Centre in Wales in 1989. It moved to its purpose built factory in Abercynon in June 1993.