Global car brand Kia has taken a 40,000 sq ft unit in the East Midlands for its new national training academy. The South Korean manufacturer will use the site in St Modwen Park Derby to train its next generation of car dealers along with workers in its service centres and workshops.
The business plans to move in by the end of the year following a fit-out of the unit, on land opposite the Wyvern Retail Park on the eastern edge of the city.
Paul Philpott, president and CEO of Kia UK, 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.
“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.”
Kia is the latest big business to establish an educational hub on the logistics park, following Swedish medical technology manufacturer Getinge, which announced plans for a global centre of excellence for chemistry and a UK headquarters there back in February.
Another new tenant is German boiler maker Vaillant, which will use its new factory to meet growing demand for air-source heat pumps.
Earlier this year developer St Modwen Logistics announced plans for a £59 million second phase of the park which should see around 350,000 sq ft of warehouse space created by the end of 2024.
St Modwen chief executive Sarwjit Sambhi 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.”
