SOMMER DOCO Moves to Rochdale, Embracing Growth and Innovation

Posted by on 17 Mar 2025

SOMMER DOCO officially relocated from York to Rochdale, marking an exciting new chapter in its expansion journey. The move, which started in November and completed in January 2025, strengthens the company’s commitment to innovation, business growth, and investment in the local economy.

DOCO has been in the UK since 1997, becoming part of the SOMMER Group in 2013, the business specialises in manufacturing and supplying components and systems for sectional doors in the private and industrial sectors. 

The relocation to Kingsway Business Park places SOMMER DOCO at the heart of one of the North West’s leading industrial hubs. Known for its excellent transport links adjacent to the M62 motorway, and strong business ecosystem, Kingsway was a natural choice for the company’s next phase of growth.

The move brings significant benefits to Rochdale, including new job opportunities, increased local investment, and stronger business collaborations. SOMMER DOCO has already expanded its team from five employees in York to nine in Rochdale, with plans to continue growing over the next three years.

Paul Copeland, General Manager of SOMMER DOCO shared his enthusiasm for the relocation: “Moving an established business is never easy, but Rochdale offered everything we needed to grow a great infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a thriving business community. The reaction to our move has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing that this was the right decision.”

Councillor Daniel Meredith, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Housing said ““It’s fantastic to see businesses choosing Rochdale as their new home, recognising the incredible advantages our borough offers. With excellent transport links, a skilled workforce, and a strong business support network, Rochdale is the ideal location for companies looking to grow and thrive. This continued investment is a testament to the confidence businesses have in our borough, and we look forward to supporting them on their journey.”

SOMMER DOCO is working closely with Rochdale Borough Councils Work and Skills team to support recruitment, ensuring that local people benefit from new job opportunities. Many roles require transferable skills, making them accessible to a wide range of candidates.

The company’s new facility has allowed for a more efficient working environment, implementing the LEAN manufacturing philosophy in the new site, plan plans are in place to increase production by 30% by May 2025. While the footprint of the new premises is similar to the York site, a higher ceiling has enabled improved stock management and a more streamlined operation.

As part of its growth strategy, the business is shifting its focus toward commercial and industrial clients, aiming for a more balanced customer base instead of the current 80% consumer and 20% business split. A great example of this is Kingsway Business Park, where every unit uses industrial door parts supplied by SOMMER DOCO showing just how established the company already is in the sector.

To support the growth strategy, the company is introducing:

- A New Trade Counter, which is planned to launch in April this year.  Styled as a German pub, and dubbed ‘The SOMMER Haus’, the trade counter will provide a unique customer experience, complete with a darts board and coffee machine.

- SOMMER DOCO is keen to collaborate and build key partnerships with local businesses, already working closely on with neighbours with RAP Industries who have assisted with machinery and the unit fit out, with more plans for future collaboration.

With German-engineered, high-quality products at its foundation, SOMMOR DOCO is committed to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Recent initiatives include:

- Energy Efficiency Compliance - Redesigning products to meet new EU 0.5-amp standby energy standards.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging - Introducing an in-house shredder to repurpose cardboard for packaging, reducing cardboard waste.
- Remote Control Recycling Program - Customers can exchange old remotes for a 20% discount, with all returned units responsibly recycled.

SOMMER DOCO is committed to making a positive impact in Rochdale. As part of this commitment, the company will be installing a defibrillator at its premises, providing a vital resource for the local community.

With a clear vision for the future, SOMMER DOCO is ready to embrace new opportunities, drive innovation, and contribute to Rochdale’s growing economy.