Specialist set designers Diagon, who provide bespoke scenic build and installation services for the retail, exhibition and event sectors, have created a new 40,000 sq ft workshop in Erith.
The facility doubles their indoor footprint and will house specialist departments for carpentry, engineering, paint and CAD.
The new workshop builds on Diagon’s recent success, with the company’s turnover increasing from £3.5million in 2020/2021 to £6m in 2021/2022, working with clients including Christie’s auction house, George P Johnson, the Brit Awards and English artist Es Devlin.
Tom Sabin, managing director said: “This fabulous new facility marks a huge milestone for Diagon. Coming just after our 21st anniversary, we have doubled our fabrication capacity, created a new studio department with incredible draughting and design capability and added some fantastic staff to the team.
“With a busy summer ahead, we now have the ability to further step up the scale and quantity of projects we can take on.”
Diagon has formed strong links with schools and colleges in the area. As part of this outreach, the company recently donated a set from a major music awards ceremony to Canterbury Academy’s drama department.
The set builders are also taking on local students for work placements and apprenticeship schemes and working with clients to plan more set donations to nearby schools and theatre groups.
To help facilitate their ongoing expansion, they are also currently hiring for a range of workshop freelance roles.
Each workshop department has been expanded with investment in new equipment, machinery and storage including a new dedicated assembly area of 120 sqm where clients can see work in progress or full test builds with tech integration.
The workshop’s internal height of 7.5metres gives Diagon space for large scale builds with the addition of another 20,000 sq ft of hardstanding yard area for easy truck access and outdoor test build space.
Within the facility there is a dedicated area of 5000 sq ft for client storage where sets and installations can be kept in a secure, dry area in pristine condition for future use.
Other improvements include large bed laser and plasma cutters in addition to two 3-axis CNC machines, a 3D printer for prototypes and modelling and a second spray booth for the paint department.
The new workshop is located within easy reach of central London – with the nearby Erith or Belvedere rail stations just 30 minutes’ journey from London Bridge and ample secure parking.
Pictured: Diagon set design