Hi-tech jobs boost for Yorkshire

KD Navien has established a base in Rotherham as part of a strategy to expand across Europe.

The company also plans to open training centres and an R&D (research and development) facility in the Sheffield City Region.

KD Navien, which is involved in developing low carbon heating technology, recently launched a boiler that can be adjusted by smartphone. The company is part of the KD group, which has a turnover of more than £4.6bn. KD Navien, the heating technology arm of the company, made £206m turnover in 2013 and is expected to have achieved £264m turnover in 2014. Five staff have already been hired in Rotherham, and five more posts are being advertised.

James Newman, the chairman of Sheffield City Region LEP, said: “I’m delighted to welcome an international company of the calibre of KD Navien to our city region. I’m confident the company will continue to grow their business in the UK and use it as a springboard for European markets. The ambitious plans for a heating technology R&D facility in the city region complement our strengths in innovating new advanced manufacturing techniques.”

Matthew Choi, the European managing director for KD Navien, said: “This is our first step into launching throughout Europe and I’m very excited about progressing our strategy in this market.”

KD Navien’s UK representative, Graham Parkes, added: “There is an ambitious plan for growth with the goal to recruit up to 100 employees and open training centres by 2017. In the UK we have two bases - the European HQ in London and the UK HQ in Sheffield City Region.

“The opportunity for growth is significant and we are confident we have the right products and support to take the UK by storm.”

Coun Dominic Beck, the cabinet member for business growth and regeneration at Rotherham Borough Council, said: “It is great to see another multi-national manufacturing company located in Rotherham, helping to build the town’s growing reputation as a global centre for modern manufacturing and technology.

“With the world-class facilities we already have at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), the headquarters of KD Navien will join our growing community of global businesses in the town and will help to boost further growth in the sector.

“This continues our ongoing efforts to create high value long-term sustainable jobs in Rotherham and retain our highest skilled staff locally.

“It’s important that a modern economy is well-balanced, and able to provide employment opportunities for all.”