Freeport East generates £250m in investments and 2,000 jobs

Bauder Ltd has been in Ipswich for 45 years and employs 140 people there, but has outgrown its offices, and has invested GBP10m in a new distribution centre at Gateway 14.

The company supplies roofing materials and systems.

Yvonne Higgins, Bauder Lld's managing director, said: "We had other options available to us and we shortlisted two or three developments in the area and by far, with the benefits Freeport gives us with the tax saving - the rates for us - this was the place to be."

Retailer The Range has already opened its distribution centre at Gateway 14 and aims to employ up to 1,600 staff there.