A bespoke apple tree and a floating Corian desk were two of the design touches which were added by WorkBox for the UK’s largest cider maker. We were proud to be asked to carry out the refurbishment and fit out of Aston Manor Cider’s new head office at The Summit in Birmingham. The office fit out included an inspirational reception area with interactive media and display displays and designs as well as a modern and contemporary restaurant, office facilities, including client facing meeting space. The project started in January 2015 in time for completion at Easter.

James Ellis, whose family own and run Aston Manor, said WorkBox were successful in their tender to complete the head office fit out across two floors because they listened and delivered to what they had asked for.

James said: “WorkBox were successful as they truly listened to our needs and turned this into a layout and design proposal that was in keeping with both our functional needs as well as our clear corporate image, which is that of a modern, professional cider maker.”

The WorkBox team carried out an extensive re-structure of an existing two floor standard office building into a dynamic, modern and highly efficient office environment. The works included a bespoke apple tree and floating ceiling raft displaying apple tree images from below and above. We also designed and installed a floating bespoke Corian desk. A new modern staircase was housed in a more central position, which required major structural work to the atrium. WorkBox also completed work on new meeting rooms, boardroom, open office space and a modern bistro for staff and visitors to enjoy. As well as this, the project incorporated the design and build of new toilets as well as air conditioning, a full data and power installation, decoration, flooring and training suite.

James Ellis added: “Against the competition, WorkBox stood out because whilst it demonstrated the pre-requisite strong flare for creativity, it was also able to apply measured restraint in order to keep the cost sensible, and this resonated well with us. The project was delivered without undue delays, there were no surprises during the build, and all snags were corrected quickly. Good job – well done WorkBox. We have continued to work with them since.”

Stuart Thacker, director of WorkBox, commented: “This was a great honour for us to be appointed by Aston Manor to provide design and fit out services for their new head office. The bespoke apple tree and floating light raft were challenges we rose to and both now pride of place in the reception atrium.”

Established in 1983, Aston Manor Cider has a production and packaging facility in Birmingham, orchards in Worcestershire and Herefordshire and a further production and packaging facility at Tiverton in Devon. The family run business plan to add 400,000 new trees on 1,000 acres by 2018. Their product range spans from mainstream to premium ciders such as Malvern Oak and Malvern Gold through to organic cider produced for Duchy Originals. Many of their ciders have won awards, which is testament to the care that goes into every single bottle of cider that they produce. They currently export a range of our ciders to more than 20 countries including America, Russia and a number of countries in Africa.