We have completed a new 106,000 sq ft facility at Sopers Lane, Poole, marking a major milestone in the redevelopment of the site into a new centre of engineering excellence and employment.

Delivered by Kingsbridge with our main contractor Wilten Construction, the purpose-built manufacturing and office facility will manufacture high-integrity solenoid valves and pressure regulators for IMI, a global leader in fluid and motion control.

The business has operated in Poole since the 1960s, previously trading locally as Thompson Valves. Now as part of IMI plc, the new facility will provide the space and infrastructure needed to support future growth while advancing IMI’s sustainability objectives. The 240-strong team is expected to relocate from its current Creekmoor site to Sopers Lane in the first quarter of 2027, following completion of the internal fit-out.

A planned second phase of development on the wider site will follow which will deliver six more new business units ranging from 10,000 sq ft to 26,000 sq ft, providing further sustainable employment space for businesses in the area.

Jeremy Sharland, Development Director at Kingsbridge, said: “Completing this new centre of engineering excellence for IMI is a significant milestone for Kingsbridge and for Poole. We set out to deliver a modern, highly sustainable building that gives a long-established local employer the space it needs to grow and we’re incredibly proud to have reached this stage in partnership with Wilten Construction.

“Our plans for the second phase will bring further high-quality employment space to Poole, creating opportunities for other businesses to establish and expand here. Together, the two phases will return the under-used site to productive economic use while delivering meaningful environmental improvements.”

In line with Kingsbridge’s commitment to deliver best-in-class sustainable developments, IMI’s new facility is being delivered to BREEAM Outstanding standards and incorporates significant rooftop solar photovoltaic panels. It has achieved an EPC A+ rating for energy efficiency.

Across both phases of development, the project also includes significant environmental enhancements, with a net increase of over 120 trees, native hedgerow planting and improvements to the site’s watercourses.

Matt Fry, Director and Co-Founder at Wilten Construction, said: “Working with Kingsbridge, we’ve delivered a substantial new facility that combines high-quality construction with ambitious sustainability objectives and provides IMI with a building designed around its future operational needs.

“We’re proud to have played our part in bringing this development to fruition and look forward to seeing the building occupied and for work to begin on the second phase of the scheme.”

Monika Lopata, Poole site leader at IMI, said: “The completion of our new Poole facility brings us another step closer to moving into a building that will support the future of our business for decades to come.

“We have been part of the Poole community for decades and this investment reflects our commitment to our people, our customers and the local area. The new facility will help IMI to meet its decarbonising objectives in a more sustainable working environment and enable the continued growth and success of IMI in Poole.”

‍