Waters Breaks Ground on MS headquarters

Waters Corporation held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Mass Spectrometry Headquarters in Wilmslow, planned for completion in 2014.

The Right Honourable George Osborne MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, joined Waters for the event and put the ceremonial spade in the ground. A Copper Beech tree was planted onsite to mark the occasion.

George Osborne said:

“It is a great honour to be part of this special day. Water Corporation's decision to make this major investment in Wilmslow is a vote of confidence in the Cheshire economy and the British economy”

Brian Smith, Vice President of MS Business Operations at Waters Corporation said:

“I am very excited that we now have the ability to move our high technology business forward and provide a world class centre for innovation in mass spectrometry. The new Waters MS Headquarters will be designed to accelerate the rate of innovation with increased access for the world’s scientific thought-leaders. Science is such a major contributor to the history of Manchester and we are honoured to be writing a new chapter in its rich heritage with our custom built headquarters in Wilmslow.”

Terry Shortt, Vice President of Global Quality Assurance and MSHQ Project Director at Waters Corporation said:

“We remain committed to the sustainability of the project and protecting the local flora and fauna. The building itself will be constructed to the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methods) ’very good’ standard. We have also recently completed a purpose built home for the local bat population and will refurbish the sunken garden from the original lodge.”

The new facility is intended to unite Waters’ existing mass spectrometry operations, consisting of more than 500 employees, currently located on four separate sites in South Manchester and Altrincham.

VINCI Construction UK has been selected as the principal contractor for the development. The works entail the design and construction of the new two storey headquarters including, external services, roads, car parks and landscaping.