THE Princess Royal is visiting a world-beating manufacturer today in Stonehouse to open the company’s new HQ.

Sartorius Stedim’s 50,000 sq ft building at Stonehouse Park provides a purpose-built premises as the company embarks on an ambitious expansion programme.

The current 105-strong workforce is set to grow to 150 by 2022, with further expansion envisaged thereafter in a multi-million pound two-phase investment.

Managing director of Sartorius Stedim Chris Biddell is pleased to move after more than 20 years at premises in Stonedale Road.

“It’s an honour to welcome the Princess Royal to carry out the official opening,” he said.

“This new building is a landmark for Sartorius – it takes us to another level in our global business.

“It allows us to grow and to meet the customer requirements of the markets we work in.

“It’s new. It’s modern. It meets the high standards required by our industry. It provides a more efficient work flow and is essential for future growth.”

He praised his staff for the way in which they handled the move, during which not a day of production was lost.

“Everyone has really pulled together and been enthusiastic and keen.

“They’ve come in at weekends if necessary, just to get the job done. It’s been great team work.”

The Stonehouse operation grew out of a business which Chris began in his uncle’s garage in Oakridge 20 years ago.

Initially called Vivascience, it became part of German giant Sartorius Stedim in 1999.

It is now an industry-leading company which designs and manufactures laboratory filtration and diagnostic products, including medical devices.

Sartorius Stedim Lab’s clients include global biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies who demand a state-of-the art environment.

Globally the company employs 6,500 people and has a turnover of almost 1.2bn Euros.

The new facility was developed for the company by Gloucestershire developer Robert Hitchins Ltd. The first turf was cut in March 2015.

Property and Development director for Robert Hitchins Ltd, Simon Tothill, said: “It has been good to work with the Sartorius team to create this world-class facility.

"We hope they continue to prosper in their new home.

“It’s very satisfying to reach practical completion and see new bespoke buildings being occupied by companies which are able to promote their success to customers and staff by investment in new facilities.”

Developer Robert Hitchins Ltd, based at Boddington, Gloucestershire, is one of the leading property developers in the South West and South Wales. It deals with the full process from site acquisition and planning through to development and investment.