One of the world’s largest companies, FujiFilm, has opened a new, purpose-built, UK headquarters in Bedford.
The doors of the new building on Cardington Road were officially opened with a traditional Kagami-Biraki (Sake Barrel) ceremony, attended by FujiFilm senior staff, diplomats from the Japanese embassy, and Bedford Borough’s Mayor.
A Kagami-Biraki ceremony involves jointly opening a wooden cask of sake to represent fortune, goodwill and new beginnings.
Bedford has been the UK home of FujiFilm since 1983 and was previously based at St Martin’s Business Centre.
Speaking ahead of the opening of FujiFilm House, Tom Watanabe, Managing Director of FujiFilm UK said they have now brought all of FujiFilms UK operations “under one roof”.
In his speech, he highlighted the innovative nature of their business, which covers healthcare, materials and imaging.
“I truly believe that the innovators of today and leaders of tomorrow are here in Bedford, and I am so excited when I think what this next chapter at Fujifilm holds,” he said.
FujiFilm House will be home to 300 employees, with facilities for testing, repair, and research across their various fields.
Innovation runs throughout the building too, with 160 solar panels on the roof that will power the entire building on sunny days and rainwater recycling.
There are also multiple charging points for electric cars and wildlife conservation areas around the building and a gallery, proudly showcasing their support for FujiFilm employees, the arts, and charities across the UK, including Bedford’s own Creating Memories.
Also speaking ahead of the opening, Mayor Dave Hodgson (Lib Dems) called FujiFilm an “important member of the Bedford business community and our community in general.
“It is very much part of the fabric of this area,” he said.
