Sustainable Factory Opening
To meet the increasing demand for ventilation systems in the UK, leading indoor climate solutions manufacturer, Zehnder, opened its new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, utilising the very latest technology, in Maidstone, Kent. Armed with a pair of oversized ceremonial scissors for a VIP ribbon cutting, 361 turned an otherwise internal comms event, into a celebration of local enterprise and positive environmental impact for the area, positioning Zehnder as pioneers in sustainable manufacturing.
When Zehnder announced its intention to acquire a new manufacturing site in Maidstone, Kent, it was met with some local reticence. Factories often carry a stigma for being noisy, busy and not environmentally friendly. But Zehnder’s new facility had been designed to meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability and was set to incorporate the latest energy-efficient technologies to minimise its environmental impact.
The
CHALLENGE
Zehnder wanted to make the launch more than an internal affair. 361 was asked to amplify the opening and drive positive local news, communicating the progressive impact of the facility on the local area.
What
we did
The grand, red-carpet opening event saw esteemed representatives from the local Maidstone community invited along – including Faversham and Mid Kent MP, Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care), Helen Whately, and The Deputy Mayor of Maidstone, Counsellor Martin Cox.
Our VIP guests joined the Zehnder senior leadership team in making speeches before cutting the ribbon and inviting attendees into the factory for a tour.
Local TV and radio broadcast teams attended to cover the ribbon cutting, speeches and took part in the tour of the new facility. Throughout the day, interviews were captured with Helen Whately MP and Zehnder spokespeople on the factory’s environmental credentials and positive impact for the local area.
Videography and images were captured throughout the event and seeded to online and print media following the launch.
The
Results
TV broadcasts on ITV News Meridian and Kent TV as well as radio coverage on Heart FM Kent and multiple print and online media coverage across manufacturing, ventilation, construction and building trade press, business media and South East regional news.
Coverage was affirmative and repositioned the factory opening as a positive addition to the Maidstone area.
The extensive media coverage also drove sign ups of local businesses wanting to work alongside the Zehnder site and recruitment flourished, with enquiries flooding the phones in the weeks and month following the launch.
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