Continuing sales success has spurred market-leading EDM distributor Sodick Europe (www.sodick.org) to create a new architect-designed headquarters facility in the Midlands.

Due to open in mid-2019, this will be the central focus for the company’s network of dealers around Europe.

Sodick Europe, established 15 years ago as the European division of Japan-based Sodick Co, now has a turnover of £45 million, with 17 distributors serving more than 35 countries, including Turkey and Russia.

The new 45,000ft² facility underscores the position of the UK as the heart of Sodick’s European organisation.

It will act as the operational centre for sales, service and market support, initially employing 50 people, with plans to triple that number within a couple of years.

There will be scope for future development, including a possible manufacturing capability.

Peter Capp, CEO of Sodick Europe, said: “By making this major investment, Sodick is demonstrating its belief that, with or without Brexit, the UK — and particularly the Midlands — remains at the heart of advanced manufacturing.”