AN international furniture importer has set up a UK headquarters and distribution centre at Abercynon, near Pontypridd.


International Furniture Direct Operations Ltd (IFDOL) has moved into a industrial building of 60,000 sq ft on some seven acres, formerly occupied by Sanken Power Systems – which has moved to Bridgend.

The 10-year lease, at an annual rental of £210,000, was negotiated for the site’s owners – property development company Hawtin – by the Cardiff offices of King Sturge and Cooke & Arkwright

IFDOL has many years experience of sourcing and importing furniture from the Far East and the US, but this is its first UK base.

Managing director Mark Symes said South Wales was an ideal base for servicing UK customers, with good communications and availability of a skilled and competent workforce which was familiar with the furniture industry.

Its Abercynon operation will initially employ 20.

Neil Francis, King Sturge associate who acted for Hawtin, said, “IFDOL came to us with a specific requirement and timeframe in which to secure premises.

“Working closely with them we were able to structure a deal beneficial to all sides.

All parties wanted a quick resolution and we were able to finalise the letting within a month, which is testimony to the good relationship quickly established between landlord, tenant and their representatives.”

Jeremy Symons, of joint agents Cooke & Arkwright, said, “Having successfully managed the move of Sanken Power Systems to their new building in Bridgend, we had been pleased with the number of inquiries received before SPS moved out in February.

“As a consequence, without fully marketing this property we have been able to conclude the letting at some speed.”

Roger Dean, of Hawtin, said, “A number of alternative use options were considered but given the high levels of interest from more traditional occupiers it was decided to progress with IFDOL.”