Global car manufacturer to establish training centre in Derby

A major car manufacturer is to establish a UK training academy on a new business park in Derby being created by St. Modwen Logistics.

St. Modwen has leased a 40,000 sq ft bespoke unit at St. Modwen Park Derby to Kia for use as a cutting-edge training academy for the next generation of Kia employees.

It is the latest global business to take space at St. Modwen Park Derby, following in the footsteps of Swedish medical technology manufacturer Getinge and German heating technology firm Vaillant.

Sarwjit Sambhi, chief executive at St. Modwen, said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome Kia’s training academy to St. Modwen Park Derby.

“Our site offers a high-quality, sustainable environment that aligns perfectly with Kia’s vision for eco-friendly operations.”

Paul Philpott, president and chief executive of Kia UK Limited, said: “We are thrilled to bring our new and enhanced Kia Academy to Derby.

“This move represents our commitment to supporting STEM education, driving electrification and helping our dealer partners build the workforce and skills they need for the future.”

The unit at St. Modwen Park Derby has been adapted to suit Kia’s requirements, including the installation of additional power, facilitating advanced electrification training and upskilling on STEM subjects to enable Kia’s apprentices and adult learners to meet the evolving demands of increasingly electrified vehicles.

The academy also opens up significant opportunities for Kia’s growth, enabling the company to increase delegate numbers, expand its range of electric vehicles, and enhance service capacity.

Kia is due to take occupation by the end of this year following an extensive fit out period.

Mr Philpott said: “Our investment in the new training academy showcases our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainability, while solidifying Kia’s position as a leader in electrification and the automotive industry.”

For the first phase of St. Modwen Park Derby, St. Modwen Logistics has invested more than £45 million to deliver more than 300,000 sq ft of sustainable warehousing across four units.

Back in April, St. Modwen Logistics announced it would be investing almost £60 million to develop the second phase.

The firm, which is one of the UK’s leading logistics developers and managers, is developing a further 350,000 sq ft of warehouse space at the site, off Wyvern Way.

Due for completion in 2024, the second phase will feature a 147,000 sq ft warehouse, which has already been pre-let. A further four buildings, totalling around 200,000 sq ft will also be constructed.