Assan Panel to open first UK manufacturing facility at Freeport East

Assan Panel, a prominent Turkish manufacturer of sustainable building materials and a subsidiary of Kibar Holding, has announced its intentions to establish its inaugural manufacturing facility in the UK, situated at Gateway 14, a pivotal component of Freeport East. This substantial investment aims to cultivate a skilled workforce dedicated to producing sandwich panels filled with environmentally friendly insulation materials such as Polyisocyanurate (PIR), mineral wool, and polyurethane – all essential elements for constructing sustainable and eco-conscious buildings.

Against the backdrop of ongoing discussions to bolster the trade agreement between the UK and Turkey, both Freeport East and Assan Panel perceive this investment as a positive indication for other enterprises keen on fortifying trade ties between the two nations.

Subject to obtaining the requisite approvals, İhsan Tolga Akar, Managing Director of Assan Panel, has outlined the objective of commencing operations at the new plant by Autumn 2025. As part of this venture, the company, presently exporting to 85 countries from Turkey, intends to establish a new office in Ipswich to cater to the UK market.

Steve Beel, Chief Executive of Freeport East, lauded the announcement, deeming it a significant stride in bolstering the presence of green industries within the Stowmarket vicinity and the broader Freeport East region. In addition to generating direct employment opportunities, this investment is poised to foster robust local research and development collaborations with universities and propel the advancement of the skills and innovation cluster at Gateway 14.

Beel further emphasized the strategic advantages of locating within Freeport East, highlighting its close proximity to the Port of Felixstowe and the flexible customs framework offered by the freeport model. He expressed confidence that this model would entice other international manufacturers to consider Freeport East as a strategic hub for future endeavors.

Gateway 14, East Anglia’s largest business park, is overseen by Gateway 14 Ltd, a subsidiary of Mid Suffolk District Council, in collaboration with development partner Jaynic. Positioned adjacent to the A14 at Stowmarket, it provides tax incentives and streamlined customs procedures for manufacturing, logistics, and R&D firms across its extensive 2.36 million square feet of accommodation.