ASICS opens new European head office

As a result of extensive growth, ASICS Europe has opened a new head office, relocating to Beukenhorst-Zuid, which aims to be one of the most ecologically sustainable business parks in the Netherlands. The new headquarters were officially opened on the 23^rd November by Prince Pieter-Christiaan van Oranje, former Dutch sprinter Nelli Cooman, Motoi Oyama (President of ASICS Corporation, Japan) and Alistair Cameron (CEO of ASICS Europe).

ASICS has worked with architects, Cepezed, and developers, OVG, to construct an innovative building which is designed to align ASICS’ office environment with the brand’s core value: sound mind in a sound body.  

The 5,000 m² office is designed to facilitate the 220 employees of ASICS Europe and ASICS Benelux, who are based in the head-office, with space for further expansion as the company grows. A key component in the building is a large centrally located atrium which allows in large amounts of natural daylight. The central atrium also contains meeting areas which creates a bright, inspiring and social working environment.

ASICS Europe continues to beat current economic gloom with forecasted growth of 14% for 2011. The world class European headquarters is a new base from which to grow and further develop their regional ranges of true performance sport and the reset of the Onitsuka Tiger brand.

Alistair Cameron comments: “ASICS’ new world-class headquarters will mark a brand new chapter. It will allow us to live by our values, encouraging us to develop innovative products as we grow. The new headquarters are custom-designed to allow us to do our best work in an environmentally sustainable way. We have also placed special emphasis ensuring that ASICS remains a fun, sociable and healthy workplace for staff."

ASICS wanted to ensure that staff are able to easily lead a healthy lifestyle and as a result, the building contains a dedicated fitness area with changing facilities and six showers allowing employees to incorporate fitness into their daily routines. A footbridge connects the office with UNESCO world heritage site, The Geniedijk, enabling staff to easily exercise in the green spaces surrounding the office. A ‘healthy options’ canteen has been built onsite and will provide balanced and nutritious meals throughout the day. The striking staircase in the middle of the building will encourage visitors and employees to take the stairs instead of the lift, saving energy and promoting exercise.

The new head office is eco-friendly with the heating and cooling of the building managed locally through bio-cogeneration plants. Beneath the building is a bio-fuel energy generator which supplies both ASICS and the neighbouring building with green energy. The surplus energy from the surrounding buildings is used to heat the ASICS office. Solar panels on the roof are used to generate hot water which is used in the building.