Local pump manufacturer, Pioneer Pump, has moved and invested in a new site with a 560% larger footprint.
Pioneer Pump (a division of Franklin Electric, a global leader in water and energy movement systems) has outgrown its 10,000sq ft yard near Stowmarket, Suffolk, and relocated to a much larger site in Hadleigh, offering 66,000 sq ft of space. This significant expansion, which adds an impressive 56,000 sq ft of additional capacity, marks a new chapter for the company.
The new facility comprises two modern 33,000 sq ft warehouse units, designed to boost operational efficiency and support the company’s future growth ambitions.
The new site, formerly home to Cookson and Zinn, a fuel storage tank manufacturer, required extensive refurbishment to align with Pioneer’s ethos of sustainability. By repurposing the brownfield site, Pioneer minimised the use of new materials, further reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility. The facility now boasts energy-efficient features, including LED motion-activated lighting and infrared heating, with plans to install solar panels to further reduce energy consumption.
“Our new facility has transformed how we operate,” said Hugh Langley, MD at Pioneer Pump. “In the old yard, inefficiencies were common, such as retrieving a part from the back of the store could take up to an hour. Now, with a modern warehouse, accessibility and production facility, we’ve significantly improved our processes, which will greatly benefit our speed of production and benefits our customers. We have only developed one warehouse so far, and have big plans for growth over the next 5 years which will see us in an even stronger position.
Looking ahead, Pioneer has ambitious plans for the new site, including the development of a training and education area for customers. This “Pump School” will offer hands-on learning about Pioneer’s high-efficiency pumps, from energy-saving designs to maintenance and repair techniques, solidifying Pioneer’s position as an indispensable partner to its customers”.
With the move complete and the new facility operational, Pioneer Pump is ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of the future. “Performance through innovation has always been our ethos,” said Hugh Langley “With this new facility, the future is looking brighter than ever.”
