Italian filtration specialist to open £10m Lancaster facility

GVS, the global specialist in filtration components based in Bologna, has secured planning permission to build a £10m manufacturing facility in Lancaster.

Founded in 1979, GVS has evolved from a supplier of components for the healthcare sector to a global group that produces highly technical filtration solutions for many sectors.

Its current UK office in Morecambe opened in 1995 and employs over 190 people. All employees will be relocated to the new site. As an established manufacturer of medical products and personal protective equipment, GVS played a major role in the manufacture and provision of protective face masks of the highest classification to the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The approved plans seek to redevelop a vacant site on Caton Road, formerly used by paper producer Sofidel. The purchased site boasts a prominent riverside frontage where GVS aims to create an eye-catching complex to promote its global brand.

GVS also has ambitions to be carbon neutral at the new location with the development to include the use of renewable energy, sustainable water drainage and heat transfer management systems.

Architectural, planning and building surveying practice Cassidy + Ashton is providing architectural and planning consultancy services to GVS Filter Technology UK on the project, which includes managing the tender process to appoint contractors. Its technical design team will then provide project management services onsite until completion.

The Preston firm's proposals include refurbishing an existing 2,000 square metre storage warehouse to act as GVS’ production facilities, including its injection moulding processes and high-tech filter manufacturing which is carried out under clean room standards. The remainder of the space will be occupied with warehousing and storage.

The finishing touch to the complex is a striking two-storey building that will serve as reception and office and administration area with its frontage on Caton Road.

Focussing on the use of renewable energy, Cassidy + Ashton’s proposed design includes installing solar panels on the roof of the warehouse and operations facilities, while heat pumps will transfer heat created during production processes to warm the office areas.

The new headquarters also includes a sustainable drainage system with surface water redirected via grassed swales integrated into the car park, to a landscaped wildlife pond, before the water is released into the River Lune.

Ben Hartropp, head of engineering at GVS Filter Technology UK said: “The GVS team are excited about the chance to bring all our business functions together under one roof.”

Cassidy + Ashton is currently preparing the detailed drawings for the new facilities with the project expected to go out to tender for contractors in Autumn 2023. Work is due to commence onsite in January 2024 with a view of completing by Spring 2025.