Friedheim relocates to new premises

Friedheim's new site is one minute from the M1
Friedheim's new site is one minute from the M1

Friedheim International has relocated to a more modern site to support its future growth.

The Hemel Hempstead-based finishing and converting equipment supplier, which was set up by Oscar Friedheim in London in 1884, moved in November from its previous Park House site in the Hertfordshire town to Unit 1 Zodiac.

Friedheim said its previous building was on a long-term lease and this is also the case with the new building.

The business had been based at Park House for the last 22 years but described the new facility as “a modern and fitting place of business”, with a welcoming light filled environment with superfast connections, zoned environment control, and heightened security.

“We’re energy conscious too; super insulative glazing and door systems retain energy while outdated appliances are replaced with new eco-accredited units,” the company stated.

“Upstairs we’re primed for team working; an open plan design with project desks and a communal relaxation space. On the ground floor space is optimised for a streamlined goods in/goods out process with latest mobile spare parts racking, as well as a state-of-the-art server and comms room, and a large boardroom with an integrated media centre.”

The new site is one minute from the M1, which the company said makes it ideal for visitors, staff, and goods.

“Our customers are always at the forefront of our minds and to ensure we maximise our customer service offering we have to be forward-thinking while developing and maintaining the knowledge and expertise of our dedicated staff,” said Friedheim International managing director and owner Mark Bristow.

The company told Printweek its new site does not have a dedicated demo space “as this became the less practical solution over the last two years”.

“Shipping highly-specified equipment to and fro is an expensive endeavour and offline, out-of-context demonstrations aren’t the best solution for the customer – we’re in a position now to take prospective customers to existing customer sites, to host live virtual demonstrations, as well as demos at the manufacturer facilities,” the business said.

The move was completed over a weekend with zero downtime, and the company added the new site “can be thought of as a springboard for growth”.