The franking equipment manufacturer has relocated its Harlow, Essex headquarters and manufacturing site, where it has been based since 1963, as part of a strategy to promote collaboration between its global operations.
Ian Davidson, European president of Pitney Bowes Global Mailing Solutions, said: "We have progressed from our traditional core mailing business in Harlow to a more futuristic digital communications organisation with products that reflect the current means of communication. This is the next step for Pitney Bowes."
He added that the transport links in the surrounding area and its proximity to London airports and cross-channel trains would help to open up new business in the UK and facilitate a more streamlined global approach for the business.
The global management team did not rule out relocating its European HQ to another country, but decided that, given the number of senior management based in the UK and the Hatfield base’s transport facilities, the UK remained the best location.
Around 450 Pitney Bowes employees followed the company in its move, while 200 remain at the Harlow base until it relocates within the area in early 2013. Davidson anticipated that the Essex subsidiary would move into nearby Langlands House, which will focus on inside sales, and Old Mill, which will continue with supply chain management, in March or April next year.
Davidson said: "We were focused on retaining the talent of the workforce in the move so we looked for a site that met the needs of the business but also was a reasonable commute from Harlow."
Only a small handful of staff could not make the commute and were offered redundancy packages, according to Davidson.
Some of those relocating to Hatfield have been given flexible hours, with some working from home permanently and others making the 22 mile commute outside of peak traffic hours.
Pitney Bowes UK managing director Patrick Jelly will oversee European sales under Davidson from the Harlow base. Davidson assured that Pitney Bowes’ business structure would continue as before.
