Double digit growth drives expansion for Romax at University’s Innovation Park

Work started today on the development of a new building for Romax Technology, one of the world’s leading gearbox, bearing and driveline engineering companies.

The company is moving its Nottingham headquarters to a new and larger site at the University of Nottingham’s Innovation Park (UNIP). The new, purpose built 3100m² premises facility, which is being developed by G F Tomlinson, will incorporate offices, a training suite and laboratory space and will also give the company space to grow into in the future.

Romax has rapidly expanded its simulation technology and drivetrain design business and has been growing at a rapid rate in recent years. The company anticipates that many new jobs will be created over the next three to five years, resulting in a staffing level in excess of 200 at the Nottingham HQ.

The move to the new premises will also help the company to achieve its corporate objectives, according to Chief Executive, Dr Peter Poon. “Strengthening the East Midlands is very important to us,” said Dr. Poon. “Our connections with the University provide a perfect opportunity for Romax to continue to work with strategic partners on the latest innovations, technologies and processes that will benefit the economy. The move will undoubtedly be a great one for Romax in the next stage of its development.”

A large number of businesses are already based on UNIP, but the Romax building will mark the first bespoke commercial development at the park. The cost of the development is £5.6 million, and the University will lease the premises to Romax for an initial period of 10 years.

Speaking at the groundbreaking of the new building, Professor David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Nottingham, said: “This is a very exciting development for us. Romax is a world class quality business, so to have them based at the University of Nottingham Innovation Park is a tremendous boost for the University.

“Romax will be undertaking state-of-the-art research and development work here and will be creating many new jobs over the coming years, helping to boost the local economy.”

Romax promotes green energy in the products and solutions it develops for customers and the new building will reflect this. Developed by GF Tomlinson, the new building will utilise the latest sustainable and environmentally friendly building technologies, as well as aiming to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating for the project. These technologies include the use of sustainable construction techniques, including biomass heating, building heat recovery and reuse, waste water recycling, solar shading and a biodiverse green roof.

Speaking about the development, Stuart Lawrence, Managing Director of GF Tomlinson Building Limited, said: “We are delighted to be working with the University of Nottingham once again on the Jubilee Campus and are proud to deliver this bespoke office development for Romax Technology.  We are eager to provide a state-of-the-art office facility using our extensive experience of the latest sustainable construction techniques to realise Romax’s vision for this important building.”

The University of Nottingham has enjoyed a long history of partnering with Romax. The company has undertaken a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University, as well as collaborating on major energy and aerospace research projects and providing placement and full-time employment opportunities for university students. Romax and the University were also instrumental in helping to persuade Changan Automobile, the Chinese car manufacturer, to establish its European R&D centre in Nottingham.