Hitachi Capital Commercial Vehicle Solutions has now officially opened the doors to its £7 million purpose built office campus on the White Horse Business Park, in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.

Hakuba House, translating directly from the Japanese for ‘white horse’, was host to Kazuya Miura, president and chief executive officer for Hitachi Capital Corporation who visited from Japan to officially open the Trowbridge-based building.

Once Miura had unveiled a plaque to commemorate the building, customers, suppliers and Hitachi Capital colleagues were treated to a performance from traditional Japanese Taiko drummers. 

Showcasing the capability as well as depth and breadth of the company offering, commercial vehicles from customers and partners, such as Hitachi Construction Machinery, the RAC, National Grid and the latest in electric vehicles from the British Gas fleet were on display outside the new building.

The journey to Hakuba House started when Trowbridge Vehicle Rentals became part of Hitachi Capital in 2001. 

The previous premises situated at Canal Road in Trowbridge housed the business for 13 years and were originally designed for just 30 staff, managing 717 vehicles. Now, Hitachi Capital employs over 140 people managing a fleet of almost 30,000 vehicles.

Having outgrown the old building, Hakuba House will support growth plans and adapt to accommodate future needs of the business, whilst committing to keeping operations within the Trowbridge area.

The move, from concept to creation, took three years to complete with the construction finishing ahead of schedule.

Managing director of Hitachi Capital Commercial Vehicle Solutions Jon Lawes said: “The vast size of our new Hitachi Capital campus here in Trowbridge will ensure we continue to meet the needs of our growing customer base whilst being able to remain in the building for many years to come. 

“Since we began the three-year process, we have been determined to keep the business local in order to retain our staff – all of whom have helped make the moving process as fluid as possible”. 

Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions CEO, Simon Oliphant, added: “Hitachi Capital has experienced strong growth in the UK warranting the need for this new state-of-the-art building in Trowbridge.

“The premises will ensure economic prosperity for Trowbridge, improve the working environment and deliver excellence for both staff and customers while at the same time respecting the local community.

“It will also support Hitachi Capital’s strategy to become a global vehicle solutions business whilst reinforcing the continued expansion into Europe.

“It was a pleasure to be able to celebrate and share this special occasion for Hitachi with our colleagues from Japan.”

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