Assan Panel, a leading international manufacturer of sandwich panels and other sustainable building materials, has officially broken ground this week on its £45 million manufacturing facility at Gateway 14 in Stowmarket – a significant milestone for Freeport East and green industrial growth in the East of England.
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Freeport East and Assan Panel in March, the groundbreaking of the facility marks another key milestone for Freeport East and the Gateway 14 development. It also coincides with further Government progress on UK-Turkey trade talks, demonstrating the strength of opportunities in increasing bilateral trade between the two countries.
The facility will act as a major green manufacturing hub, producing energy-efficient insulation and façade systems for the UK and wider European markets. As a key part of the Freeport East development, the site will create local jobs, strengthen regional and international supply chains, and contribute to national decarbonisation goals.
The investment also demonstrates a strong commitment to low-carbon manufacturing and, with extensive use of solar power, supports Freeport East’s broader goal to boost regional rooftop solar adoption – this includes a new campaign being launched this month to unlock the potential of unused roof space on industrial and commercial buildings.
Assan Panel’s commitment reflects the broader opportunity that Freeport East represents – a globally connected trade and innovation zone, designed to attract international investment and accelerate the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy. As a designated Freeport site, Gateway 14 offers strategic advantages for businesses focused on export growth and decarbonisation.
The facility is expected to be fully operational by February 2026, with recruitment opportunities to be announced in due course.
Ihsan Tolga Akar, Managing Director of Assan Panel companies, stated: “Breaking ground on our new facility at Gateway 14 is an exciting moment for Assan Panel and our future in the UK. This investment reflects our long-term commitment to sustainable manufacturing and to supporting the UK’s green industrial transition. The region offers a strong strategic fit for our business – combining clean energy potential, export access, and a skilled local workforce.”
Sir Christopher Haworth, Chair of the Board at Gateway 14 Ltd commented: “We are delighted to see another high quality development progressing at Gateway 14, hot on the heels of the Skills and Innovation Centre which is already under construction. We have set the highest of standards on sustainability to attract like-minded international investors who want to use our strategic location to serve UK and international markets. The benefits of developing Gateway 14 adds value to local communities, creating new skilled job opportunities and also, with the returns we pay to our local authority shareholder, allowing them to invest in infrastructure, town centre regeneration and public services”.
Steve Beel, CEO at Freeport East, added: “Assan Panel’s groundbreaking is a powerful endorsement of what Freeport East can offer to businesses – a platform for international investment, low-carbon innovation, and regional growth. Their commitment to extensive rooftop solar production also shows how Freeport East is serious about delivering clean energy innovation that delivers financial benefits for businesses. Our upcoming solar campaign will build on this momentum by unlocking the renewable potential of unused commercial roof space across the region.”
