Scania (Great Britain) has opened a new base in Tongwell, Milton Keynes.
MD Martin Hay says: “In addition to growing sales over the years, we have also developed a host of associated services.
“All of this requires extensive dealer and customer support, which is why we are referring to our new premises as our UK Support Centre rather than our headquarters.”
The premises, which occupy an eight-acre site, have been constructed with the future and sustainability in mind.
State-of-the-art technology is employed throughout and the buildings have been designed to have as low an impact on their surroundings as possible.
The new main building provides 6,200m2 of space over three storeys, and there is a separate Facilities building and parking for just under 300 cars, including disabled bays and electric charging points.
The layout of the main building is extremely modern and has been designed to encourage a cross-flow of interaction with numerous break-out areas.
In terms of environmental features, Scania has taken a 'fabric first' approach to energy, which means the building envelope has been designed for efficiency and the interior designed to require less energy – which has been achieved through high levels of insulation and low energy fittings throughout.
Ten percent of the site's energy comes from renewable sources; there are 385 square metres of photovoltaic panels on the roof. These, together with air source heat pumps, which transfer heat from outside the building to the inside, will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by a minimum of ten percent.
Water usage is expected to reduce by at least 25% through efficient sanitaryware, showers, washing machines, dishwashers and flow-restricted taps. The site is also equipped with water butts to recycle rainwater for the landscaping.
The new site was inaugurated by His Excellency Torbjörn Sohlström, the Ambassador of Sweden to the UK. The event was attended by Scania's staff and approximately 50 transport industry guests and local dignitaries.
