Sika invests in R&D facility
Sika Liquid Plastics aims to submit a planning application in the New Year for a £2.5m research and development centre in Preston designed by Frank Whittle Partnership.
Sika produces chemical coatings for construction and industry. Its advanced roofing systems have been used by clients such as Selfridges, Tate Britain, NEC in Birmingham, Royal Preston Hospital and East Midlands Airport.
The three-storey 12,500 sq ft laboratories will be built at the firm's Miller Street headquarters following partial demolition of a Victorian weaving shed.
Martin Whittle, partner at FWP, said: "We have been working with both Sika Liquid Plastics and council planning officers on the project and we are about to submit a detailed feasibility study as part of that process.
"This is a significant investment for Sika Liquid Plastics and highlights the importance of the Preston operation to its parent group. It is also really good news for the city and its manufacturing sector.
"We are aiming to submit a formal application for planning permission to the city council in the first-half of next year, hopefully around March."
