Staff from IMI, a global leader in fluid and motion control, gathered to mark the start of construction on a centre of engineering excellence that will become the company’s new Poole facility.

Around 30 long-standing employees and members of the IMI leadership team attended the groundbreaking ceremony at Sopers Lane, Poole, marking a major milestone at the site of the company’s new 105,000 sq ft building which will provide the expansion space that the company needs as well as meeting IMI’s decarbonising objectives.

They were joined by representatives from commercial property developer Kingsbridge, which is delivering the scheme, the main contractor Wilten Construction and Councillor Richard Herrett of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council who is responsible for the portfolio of Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations.

All attendees enjoyed a site tour and witnessed the groundbreaking as building works officially began.

The new IMI site in Poole, previously known as Thompson Valves, manufactures high-integrity solenoid valves and pressure regulators and has been located in Poole since the 1960s. Its 240-strong team will move from its current facility in Creekmoor following completion of works, scheduled for autumn 2026.

Gary Clapcott, Business Improvement Director, IMIPoole, said: “For more than 50 years, we’ve been part of this community, and this new state-of-the-art Poole facility reflects our deep commitment to growing our business, our people, and our local roots.

“Designed to BREEAM Excellent standards and powered by extensive solar generation, it represents a decisive investment in sustainable innovation and the future of our industry. Just as importantly, it strengthens our dedication to developing talent through our apprentice and graduate programmes, supporting the next generation of engineers and leaders right here in Poole.”

IMI Poole’s new facility is the first phase of a wider 207,000 sq ft redevelopment of the site, formerly owned by Siemens, which was acquired by Kingsbridge in 2023. The second phase will deliver nine business units of between 3,750 sq ft and 26,000 sq ft to help support the local economy.

In line with Kingsbridge’s commitment to delivering best-in-class sustainable developments, all units in both phases will be built to a BREEAM Excellent standard, with a target EPC A rating, rooftop PV panels and EV charging points.

The development will also include substantial new planting, with a net increase of 123 trees on the site along with native hedgerows and watercourse enhancements.

Jeremy Sharland, Development Director at Kingsbridge, said: “I’m incredibly proud to mark this key milestone in a scheme that will play such a major role in supporting employment in Poole – firstly by ensuring that one of its leading businesses has the facilities it needs to remain in the town and secondly by providing new, best-in-class, highly sustainable units so other local employers can join IMI in due course.

“It’s our privilege to be able to bring this currently under-utilised site back into full economic use while making significant environmental commitments and improvements that will benefit the local community.”

Naim Basha, Director Co-Founder, Wilten Construction, said: “As we break ground at Sopers Lane, we’re pleased to be leading the delivery of this new development; our second project with Kingsbridge.

“This scheme represents a major investment in sustainable, modern employment space for Poole and supports a long-established local employer. It also strengthens our growing relationship with Kingsbridge and establishes a new partnership with IMI and the wider project team.

“We look forward to delivering a high-quality scheme that will benefit the community and leave a positive, lasting legacy”.

Cllr Herrett said: “It's hugely positive to see one of Poole’s key employers making this investment, the latest in several multi-million pound commitments from businesses in the BCP council area.

“It will be exciting to see their new headquarters taking shape as part of a wider scheme that will bring further high-quality, sustainable employment space to Poole.

“This development not only protects skilled jobs now, but strengthens this area’s long-term economic prosperity while setting a high standard for sustainable growth.”