Thermocable, a specialist manufacturer of advanced heat detection and cable technology, had outgrown its long-term home in Bradford. Following their acquisition by Halma plc, whose Amersham headquarters Oktra delivered in 2019, the company needed a new facility capable of supporting increased production volumes and their next phase of development.
The existing site had evolved organically over time, with ad-hoc expansions and workarounds that limited efficiency. Thermocable needed a purpose-built environment that connected every part of their operation: manufacturing, R&D, and office — a space that could bring their people together and inspire everyday innovation.
Oktra partnered closely with Thermocable’s engineers and leadership team from the outset, carrying out feasibility studies to identify a building of the right scale and technical capacity. Extensive workshops informed the spatial layout, ensuring the flow of production, assembly, and office functions supported operational efficiency and compliance.
The design balances high-performance manufacturing infrastructure with an inspirational workplace environment. A new open plan office, collaboration zones, and meeting spaces sit above the factory floor, connected by a bespoke staircase that physically and symbolically links Thermocable’s production and corporate teams.
Drawing on Oktra’s experience delivering Halma’s Minicam facility, the project team developed a detailed understanding of the technical demands of Thermocable’s manufacturing process. This insight informed every design decision—from the sequencing of work zones to power distribution, acoustic control, and thermal management.
Energy efficiency was built into the infrastructure. Much of Thermocable’s equipment generates significant heat during operation, so the Oktra team implemented a solution to capture and recirculate waste heat back into the building, reducing reliance on conventional heating systems and improving overall energy performance.
Thermocable’s distinctive cable-shaped “wiggle” logo inspired a unique visual language throughout the space. The motif flows through the interior via looped neon lighting, acoustic baffles, and feature joinery, creating a strong sense of identity while reinforcing connection between production and office zones.
The result is a workplace that embodies Thermocable’s character: precise, innovative, and deeply connected, while visually expressing the technology at the heart of their brand.
The previous facility offered limited natural light and few shared amenities, whereas the new building is bright, open, and inclusive. New windows and glazed partitions draw daylight deep into the production and assembly areas, while a dedicated breakout space creates an inviting communal hub where all teams can meet, dine, and unwind. Additional facilities, including changing rooms, showers, and lockers, enhance comfort for production staff and promote a more connected, people-focused environment. By designing transparency and openness into the layout, the building fosters visibility, collaboration, and a shared sense of pride in Thermocable’s work.
From initial technical feasibility to final delivery, the project was driven by one goal: to create a facility that would enable growth rather than constrain it. As Oktra’s Project Director explained, “So much of what they did before was a consequence of the building they were in. Now the space is built entirely around how they work.” The new environment allows Thermocable to operate at full capacity without compromise. It’s an integrated workspace that supports innovation, enhances efficiency, and positions the business for long-term success within Halma’s global network.
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