A world-class multi-national company Waters Corporation is to build a mass spectrometry HQ in Cheshire East.

The move will relocate more than 500 employees to Wilmslow and is a big boost for Cheshire East Council's drive to make the Borough an economic powerhouse – with new technology industries leading the way.

The Council's strategic planning board unanimously approved Waters' plans for a new mass spectrometry HQ building and offices at Stamford Lodge, in Altrincham Road, Wilmslow. The 37-acre site has lain disused for more than 10 years.

Waters is a world leader in the field of scientific innovation in healthcare delivery, environmental management, food safety and water quality. Mass spectrometry is used to identify and quantify chemical components in complex mixtures.


Brian Smith, Vice President of MS Business Operations at Waters, said: "I am very pleased that we now have the ability to move our high-technology business forward and provide a world class centre for innovation in mass spectrometry.

"Science is such a major contributor to the history of this region and now we can write a new chapter in this rich heritage with our custom-built headquarters in Wilmslow.

"We would like to extend our thanks for the input we received at the public consultations in January from the residents and local businesses in the town and to Cheshire East for its ongoing support."

As part of the planning conditions, Waters is also making a financial contribution to the enhancement of facilities at the nearby Jim Evison playing fields, funding for a footpath and pedestrian/cycle route and a plan to manage the site’s landscape and wildlife habitat for 15 years.

The work is expected to start by the end of August and be completed by 2013.

(CD)