Our history

LondonEast-UK has a long and fascinating history of scientific innovation dating back to the 1930s. Throughout the site, there are features and exhibits that showcase and celebrate its history and the pioneering work that was undertaken there. 

The site was bought by May & Baker – a chemical firm that no longer operates under that name - in 1919 and construction work began in 1932.

By 1938, the site housed a factory employing 1,000 people involved in the making of M&B 693 - the first chemical cure for pneumonia.

During World War Two, ot was also used to manufacture enormous quantities of methyl bromide, which was vital for the production of fire extinguishers used in service aircraft, tanks and boats.

During this time, 31 underground shelters were built, along with a further seven ‘surface’ shelters and four others that were partially underground – with each shelter housing 50 people.

Following the war the site was used to research, develop and manufacture pharmaceuticals for more than 60 years.

In 2009, manufacturing ceased at the site and it was sold to SOG Group four years later.

In 2018, the site was acquired by BD Group And was opened as LondonEast-UK – a business park for companies small and large with great transport connections to London and the M25.