Dyson officially opens the doors to new HQ in Singapore

Over the next four years, Dyson will invest close to S$1.5bn in its Singapore operations, and expand its R&D team by more than 250 engineers and scientists.

Dyson has officially opened the doors to its new global headquarters at St James Power Station, in the presence of Singapore's Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong. Initially announced back in 2019, with the move kicking off in November 2021, the move will "sit at the center of its ambitions to enter entirely new fields of research and develop a new generation of high-performing technology products with increasing intelligence".

In its opening at the restored 110,000sq ft. national monument on 25 March 2022, PM Lee expressed his pride: "Singapore is a key hub for Dyson products. We are the lead manufacturing site for Dyson Hyperdymium motors, which are at the heart of most Dyson devices."

The household technology major opened its first facility in Singapore in 2007 with just 10 employees. Fast forward to today, the new headquarters is home to over 1,400 staff, across R&D, advanced manufacturing and global HQ functions such as supply chain and finance. Among the full workforce, 560 comprise engineers and scientists. 

PM Lee shared: "In addition to opening its global headquarters here, over the next four years, Dyson will invest close to S$1.5bn in its Singapore operations, and expand its R&D team by more than 250 engineers and scientists. This will open up exciting job opportunities for our workers, and develop new products for the global market."

This investment is in addition to the newest phase of its S$4.9bn global investment programme. It will also support ongoing university research programmes to drive technology development, building on its existing global programmes.

Per Dyson's statement, the hiring in Singapore is expected to spam roles in robotics, machine learning, AI, high-speed electric digital motors, sensing and vision systems, connectivity, software, power electronics and energy storage.

"Singapore works very hard to bring in investments. Companies like Dyson are sought after by many economies, and can site themselves anywhere in the world. They come to Singapore because we offer ease of doing business, political stability, ready access to talent, and the rule of law, amongst other factors, which include having buildings like the St James Power Station.

"These attributes give Singapore an edge over our competitors," the national leader affirmed.

The idea for the new space

Sharing his thoughts on the new space, Founder James Dyson commented: "I have always wanted Dyson’s people to work in inspiring spaces which have their own story and character. Buildings matter because they affect all of us as individuals. Architecture and the spaces we inhabit have a profound impact on our health, how we feel, and how we work creatively together."

In his years of experience, he particularly noted the importance of fresh - not recirculated - office air, and how natural light can "improve health outcomes for premature babies and improve the morale of those caring for them". 

With this in mind, James Dyson believes a place of work should be inspiring – a destination to look forward to at the end of the commute and a place that inspires collaboration.

In regards to the new space, Dyson intended to preserve the original purpose of its old buildings while modernising them for use today.

"It’s something we’ve done since the very beginning because it’s the right thing to do, both for the environment and the way we work. We don’t hide things away; the services and structures are all there to see because what works begins to look beautiful."

As such, the open-plan spaces avoids people being tucked away in offices, and allows teams to meet, talk, and think together, which James Dyson believes is as vital to progress as the long-scheduled meeting.

The cafés are cited to serve great-tasting, locally sourced food cooked by world-class chefs. They serve as more casual forums for collaboration, dotted around the spaces, a coffee or tea always within easy walking distance.

The architecturally significant, innovative and spacious hangars had fallen into complete disrepair but now they have now become light, airy and inspiring spaces busy with research activity and collaboration.

Still retaining the beauty from when initially designed by Alexander Gordon in the early 1920s, St James Power Station is now totally modern inside. Every level is refreshed – from the spiral staircase, to the cathedral-like windows, to the iconic chimneys that make the building a Singapore landmark.

James Dyson notes that the move into St James Power Station is "a momentous occasion for Dyson".

"We are deeply honoured to be the custodians of this historic building and national monument. Once home to Singapore’s main power station, the space has long been associated with cutting edge technology and innovation. Within it we will continue the next chapter for Dyson.

"I hope the team enjoy the space as much as I do, and that as Dyson grows, our buildings and spaces continue to uplift and inspire our engineers and all those that work in and visit them."

Lead image / Dyson Statement
All other images / Dyson Statement and James Dyson's post

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