St. Modwen and Devon County Council have secured a 15-year lease with Stovax Heating Group Ltd – trading as Stovax & Gazco – to occupy a 196,037 sq ft manufacturing unit at the Skypark development near Exeter. Construction on the new Stovax & Gazco facility is intended for the second half of next year.

Skypark – a partnership between St. Modwen and Devon County Council – is the cornerstone development of the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone.

Stovax & Gazco is a leading manufacturer in the global stove and fireplace industry and delivers its high-quality gas, electric, wood-burning and solid fuel product portfolio to more than 25 countries across the world.

The manufacturer has been in the industry for nearly 40 years and employs approximately 300 staff across Exeter.

St. Modwen has already completed earlier phases at Skypark, including a district heating centre, an ambulance response facility, a distribution facility for DPD, and a range of office units.

The scheme’s strategic location provides quick access to the M5 and neighbours Exeter Airport. This environmentally sustainable business park is a 20-year project and has the potential to provide up to 6,500 jobs in the long-term.

James Irwin-Singer, Development Manager at St. Modwen Industrial & Logistics, said:

“Stovax & Gazco are a major regional occupier in the manufacturing sector with significant growth plans and we are delighted to be welcoming them to Skypark. Our proposed building aims to provide capacity for the firm’s continued growth through a new facility with far greater operational efficiencies.”

Alistair Compton, Managing Director at Stovax & Gazco, added:

“Our business has ambitious plans to continue its strong history of growth and to build upon our position as a trusted brand in the premium heating and decorative fireplace market.

“Our new base at Skypark is a fantastic opportunity to achieve this, and crucially allow us to keep our operation in the heart of Exeter and to preserve employment for our longstanding, talented team of staff, whose hard work, expertise and innovative thinking are at the very core of the Stovax & Gazco brand ethos.

“We’re delighted to work in partnership with St. Modwen in meeting our high requirements for a premium, state of the art, sustainable space to facilitate the expansion of our manufacturing and business operations under one roof.”