New Plymouth base for Toshiba Ensures Company Stays in City
Internationally renowned electronics manufacturer, Toshiba has committed to a new base in Plymouth, ensuring that the company will continue to use the city as the home of its UK operations.
Toshiba, which has had a presence in Plymouth for the past 30 years is to be based at the Tamar Science Park, Derriford; where it will employ 16 engineers to work on test and development.
Head of Engineering, Shaun Burston says the flexible attitude of the Tamar Science Park made all the difference in finding the right venue. "Our UK base is about new TV technology and development so we do have to run some very thorough tests. We are Toshiba's European base for all TV product accreditations and performance evaluations for the European market, and our testing includes stringent tests such as burns testing and extreme environmental conditioning tests from below freezing point to high temperature high humidity environments. This means that our premises do have to meet a very high specification.
"We need roof access, high ceilings and strong lode bearing walls and floors; as some of our equipment weighs up to seven tonnes. Tamar Science Park put us in touch with the original architects and builders who had designed the site and also supported our planning applications, allowing us to make the changes we needed to the building.
Shaun continued, "This flexibility has allowed us to remain in the area and retain the talent within Plymouth, which was very important to us. We have an amazing amount of technical equipment in order to test product and to cover all European TV broadcasting systems within this building which I believe really demonstrates the commitment we have to the local area."
The Tamar Science Park was set up in 1996 and is now host to more than 60 businesses, employing around 750 people.
Nina Sarlaka, interim director of operations commented, "It is a delight to have Toshiba on the Park and to be able to help keep the talent and expertise of the team within the South West.
"Since it was established, the Science Park has focused on achieving the wider economic aims of the region in retaining good quality businesses and nurturing innovative and technological success. In this way, Toshiba fits perfectly with our ethos and as a multinational brand they bring a real kudos to the Park - and the region as a whole."
