Size

4,800 sq ft

Location

Derby

Activity

Mining & Material Processing

Duration

8 weeks

We've transformed a newly built two-storey extension into a vibrant workplace destination that celebrates MMD's rich mining heritage while fostering a modern collaborative culture.

The project seamlessly blends historical elements with contemporary functionality, creating an inclusive environment where warehouse and office staff can come together to socialise, exercise and collaborate.

From its industrial-heritage inspired social spaces to state-of-the-art office gym facilities, this is a workplace that puts people first – encouraging movement, interaction and wellbeing across every carefully considered square foot.

MMD is a global leader in mineral processing solutions and pioneering groundbreaking technologies. From its roots in Derbyshire - a region synonymous with industrial innovation and mining heritage - the company has undergone continuous transformation over its 40-year history.

Today, MMD's network of more than 600 technical experts designs and manufactures cutting-edge processing systems, delivering tailored solutions to clients across China, South Africa and beyond.

When MMD approached us about creating a new breakout and collaboration space, they had a clear vision of moving away from an office culture where employees ate lunch in isolation at their desks.

The brief was to create an environment that would not only bring together previously segregated warehouse and office staff but also provide an engaging space for international clients visiting their Derbyshire headquarters.

Inspired by a visit to another modern workplace, MMD's leadership recognised the opportunity to revolutionise their working culture through thoughtful office design.

However, with a Christmas deadline looming and no formal pre-construction phase, our team would need to plan and execute simultaneously to deliver this ambitious project.

The completed workplace transformation has delivered exactly what MMD hoped for – and more. The new extension provides a variety of spaces that encourage movement, interaction and wellbeing throughout.

At its heart is a ground-floor dining facility featuring a commercial-grade kitchen and servery. The space takes inspiration from traditional British decor, with brass lighting, dark green seating and classically-styled booths creating a warm, social atmosphere that pays homage to MMD's mining heritage.

We've incorporated several sustainable and heritage elements, including upcycled granite table tops salvaged from an unused reception counter. A glass cabinet proudly displays historical miner's lamps dating back to the 1800s, connecting the space to its industrial roots.

We're delighted to have partnered with MMD on this transformative project that perfectly balances heritage with innovation. The design not only creates essential amenity spaces but facilitates a cultural shift towards more collaborative ways of working. By incorporating sustainable technologies and celebrating MMD's industrial heritage, we've created a recreational space that will serve their team well into the future

Gary Tailby, Managing Director

The recreational areas have proven particularly popular, featuring a retro arcade machine that brings back the golden age of gaming, along with pool and ping-pong tables.

A darts area has become a staff favourite, sparking ongoing friendly competitions that bring teams together.

Employee wellbeing was another key focus of the project, leading to the inclusion of a fully-equipped gym facility.

This thoughtful addition not only promotes healthy living but also offers a practical benefit to staff, eliminating the need for expensive external gym memberships and making fitness more accessible for everyone.

Throughout the space, we've used durable, wipeable surfaces to ensure the environment works equally well for both office and warehouse staff.

This attention to practical details helps create a truly inclusive atmosphere where all employees feel welcome.

The project presented several challenges, not least the incredibly tight timeline – with contracts signed on a Wednesday and work beginning the following Monday.

However, our team's experience and the client's complete trust in our expertise allowed us to overcome these hurdles.

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The true success of the project was beautifully demonstrated during the festive period, when 95 staff members gathered together for their Christmas dinner in the new space.

It was a meaningful moment that perfectly captured what the project was all about - bringing people together in a welcoming environment that felt like their own.

What made it even more rewarding was seeing how our meticulous attention to detail in the design phase had paid off, with every carefully planned element coming together exactly as we'd envisioned to create this vibrant, communal space.

This thoughtfully crafted workspace stands as a powerful example of how intelligent design can both honour a company's heritage and drive cultural transformation. By creating an environment where every employee feels welcome and valued, we've helped MMD write the next chapter in their story - one where collaboration, wellbeing and community take centre stage.

This development represents a significant step in MMD's evolution, creating spaces where our teams can come together, collaborate and relax. OP's understanding of our heritage and vision for the future has resulted in a design that will transform how we work and interact as a company.

Graham Griffiths

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