Imperial's Plans for The Future on Familiar Ground

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 09/25/2010

Imperial Tobacco Group has unveiled plans for a new state-of-the-art global head office in Bristol, UK, following an extensive review of potential locations across Europe. "The proposed four storey 100,000 sq ft building will be one of the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly in the south west, with a high level of sustainability incorporated into its construction and design," Imperial said in a note sent out to the local press.

"Around 550 employees could be accommodated at the new development on Imperial Tobacco's eight acre Winterstoke Road site, which currently houses UK sales and marketing offices, as well as a cigar factory which is in the process of being closed." "The new building will accommodate employees based at Imperial Tobacco's current head office in Upton Road, Bristol, and the UK sales and marketing team based at Winterstoke Road, as well as the group's international sales and marketing operations which are currently based in Slough." "The Board has been reviewing options for a larger and more modern head office that could properly support the demands of our expanding international business since we completed the Altadis acquisition in January 2008," said chief executive, Alison Cooper. "Redeveloping our Winterstoke Road site is the most cost effective solution and by consolidating senior management and key business functions in one location, we will significantly improve our strategic planning and deliver long-term efficiency benefits." Construction of the new head office could begin in the summer of 2011, following demolition works, with occupation scheduled for the end of 2012. Enditem