12:56pm Friday 18th April 2008
THE UK arm of a German kitchen manufacturer today revealed it was on the verge of securing a deal to open a shop in York, a move that would create at least 20 new jobs.
Kutchenhaus has been seeking various retail sites in Yorkshire - including York - over the last few months.
Kutchenhaus directors described York as an ideal store location due to its thriving retail economy and on-going economic development.
In 2004, German firm nobilia, the largest kitchen manufacturer in the world, launched its UK kitchen brand Kutchenhaus, which has opened three stores, in Manchester, Chester and Halifax.
The company was remaining tight-lipped as to its preferred location in York.
Norman Parker, managing director of Kutchenhaus, said: "Because we are part of the largest kitchen manufacturer in the world, which makes over 1,900 kitchens every day, we have the quality, service and most importantly the right product price to dominate the market for kitchen retailing in York and beyond."
Susie Cawood, commercial director at York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "This is excellent news and is vital to help strengthen the thriving and diverse retail economy in York.
"The wider economy in North Yorkshire is constantly evolving and York in particular is increasingly being seen as an exciting and dynamic destination to set up and grow prosperous businesses, which in the process creates new opportunities for a host of companies."
Coun David Scott, leader of York Labour Group, said: "We welcome all new companies into York, and particularly those which see York as a good opportunity to expand into the UK.
"I welcome 20 jobs, and I hope they'll bring many more in the future, and that we can work together to promote their business both within Yorkshire and the UK."