A GLOBAL technology firm was given a civic welcome when it officially opened its huge new European base in Hartlebury.

Stourport Mayor Vi Higgs cut the ribbon for Apex Supply Chain Technologies new 46,000 sq ft facility on Elm Drive on Wednesday (February 7) at a ceremony for guests including customers, partners, employees and dignitaries.

The move will see more than 45 employees move from the company’s two UK sites in Worcester. It also has offices in Australia, Germany, South America, Poland and its world headquarters are in Mason, Ohio USA.

Bosses said the move is designed to help them serve with rising demand for its services from major retail, manufacturing and logistics businesses.

Julian Adams, European CEO of Apex Supply Chain Technologies, said: “Moving to Hartlebury greatly expands our presence in the UK while making Apex more nimble and flexible in meeting customer needs.

“We’re seeing a surge in demand for our technology from a range of sectors and are already enjoying the ability to better serve our customers from this new facility.

“By investing in a larger footprint at a single location for our European operations, Apex is positioned to deliver even greater value to our customers.

“As our customers and prospects see the positive impact self-serve automation has on operational processes, Apex can more easily meet their changing needs.”

Central to the new development is a purpose-built 3,750 sq ft Technology Centre, featuring the latest Apex self-serve, automation systems.

The new Hartlebury centre will allow the firm to host technology demonstrations and provide customer training on-site and increased meeting room space.

It will also be home to assembly, sales, operations, administration and customer support.