Chubb Fire & Security reports redevelopment of its Blackburn office to bring under one roof Chubb and UK affiliates of Otis and Carrier.
Chubb, the security and life safety product firm; Otis, a maintainer of people-moving products; and Carrier, a heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration product firm, are all part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp.
The project, which will involve the demolition of three Chubb buildings on the Shadsworth Business Park and temporary relocation of employees during the work, will result in a modern building for 500 employees across business support functions from all three brands. It will also be the new home for Chubb Community Care and Chubb Systems, including their research and development, and engineering staffs. Pictured left to right: Graeme Heanan, Blackburn borough councillor Kate Hollern, Craig Forbes, Alastair Reynolds, and councillor Maureen Bateson.
Upon completion in 2016, the new building will serve as a showcase for the three brands. Alastair Reynolds, managing director, Chubb Fire & Security, said: “The new office building will be equipped with advanced solutions from Chubb Fire & Security, Otis and Carrier. Together, as UTC Building & Industrial Systems, we are the world leader in building solutions, and this building will embody that distinction – it will be an environmentally responsible, smart and energy-efficient workplace.”
Graeme Heanan, managing director, systems, Chubb Fire & Security, will lead the development of the facilities and said the shared workspace is designed to result in synergies among the brands. Heanan said: “We’re combining our skills in designing fire and security systems, access control, building automation, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and lifts with the building design expertise from our architecture and construction partners to provide a work environment that supports our employees’ well-being and productivity. Ultimately this will enable us to better serve our customers.”
Kate Hollern, leader, Blackburn and Darwen district council, said: “It’s a major investment by a global business and means a long-term commitment to the borough with all that entails including new jobs for residents. It also shows the confidence that industry-leading brands such as Chubb have in deciding to make the borough their home. We have worked closely with Chubb to secure this deal, which underscores the Council’s commitment to working with business to deliver wider prosperity now and in the future.”
Craig Forbes, finance director, Chubb Fire & Security, said: “After two years of planning, we are delighted to confirm our commitment to the redevelopment of the Chubb Blackburn campus. Our new, high-performance building will benefit not only our employees, but with the integration of some of our back-office operations across Chubb, Otis and Carrier, it will build a foundation to support the continued growth of UTC Building & Industrial Systems in the UK.”
Construction is expected to begin later this year.
