CAE unveils new multi-million-pound Hemel Hempstead HQ

New office will include features to 'support modern working' such as a games room and wellness space

CAE Technology Services has unveiled its new multi-million pound global HQ and warehouse facility in Hemel Hempstead which the reseller claims will "meet the needs of the CAE workforce in a post-pandemic environment".

The Cisco, Dell and Microsoft partner purchased the 30,000 sq. foot facility at the start of the pandemic in April last year and it has since undergone a "radical redesign and refurbishment", CAE says.

It will regularly host roughly a third of the company, plus more for events, and includes sustainability features such as solar panels, efficient lighting and electric car charging points.

"Even though it was a challenging situation, the decision to look for a new property was taken before the pandemic really hit," CEO Justin Harling explained.

"Simply put, there were compelling reasons to look for more space for both staff and critical business infrastructure that were not going away. Ultimately, the decision to complete was taken because it was in the best long-term interest of the CAE.

"Crucially, we waited until we had a better understanding of the impact of the pandemic on the future way of working ahead of finalising both the design and build schedule. By delaying those decisions, we have been able to design the new HQ to make it an efficient, safe, inspiring and welcoming place to work."

Harling featured in a CRN mini-documentary in June when the new head office was still a building site. At the time he told CRN that the office's design and layout had been dramatically revised to fit in with the new ways in which its staff and working post-Covid.

CAE is one of several resellers and MSPs that have revamped or relocated their offices as a result of the pandemic. Pure Technology Group cut the ribbon on a new West Yorkshire HQ in July, while Paragon Micro opened a new site in Milton Keynes this year and Bechtle moved into a new HQ in Chippenham.

The new facility will also include features which "support modern working", CAE claims, such as a recording studio, prayer room, wellness space, games room and a staircase-based amphitheatre for company meetings.

"We wanted the new HQ to be somewhere to call home and ensure that it generated a feeling that reinforces the culture, inclusivity and positivity that is at the heart of CAE," Harling added.

"From providing multiple ways of working, to fully customer facing with rooms to host, present, and hold significant events and allow for more space in vital logistics areas of the warehouse and configuration, the new CAE HQ marks a significant step forward in the way that the company operates."