A wide-angle view of a large, empty open-plan office featuring rows of wooden desks with computer monitors, black chairs, and daylight shining through large windows.

Mediterranean Shipping Co, Ipswich

Modernising a global maritime leader’s workspace.

Steering a New Era of Workplace Excellence

Mediterranean Shipping Co (UK) Ltd, a global leader in container shipping and logistics, sought to revitalise its Ipswich-based headquarters. With a long-standing relationship, iQ Workspace was the natural partner to lead a large-scale refurbishment of Medite House and MSC House.

The project focused on upgrading the building’s first floor to create a modern, high-performance environment that supports employee productivity, enhances well-being, and reflects the company’s prestigious global brand while accommodating a growing team.

As a result, staff now benefit from enhanced collaboration areas, improved comfort, and spaces designed to boost productivity and well-being.

Services Used

Office Space Planning

Workspace Design

Furniture Supply & Installation

Project Management & Logistics

Spacious open-plan corporate workspace at MSC Ipswich equipped with an acoustic meeting pod and Imperial sit-stand desks.

The Brief

Our long-standing partnership with MSC is rooted in trust and transparency, ensuring reliable project outcomes for the client. The relationship was established by Martin Murkett, the retired Director of Tick Solutions, who nurtured the account for many years.

This relationship has consistently delivered stability and attentive service. After Tick Solutions merged into iQ Workspace in July 2025, the account transitioned to Ollie Winram’s leadership. Supported by the wider iQ team, Ollie has ensured MSC receives responsive support and consistently exceeds the high standards and requirements set by the MSC team. Through this dedicated approach, we remain committed to strengthening our partnership and consistently delivering value to the MSC team.

The primary vision for this multi-phase project was to replace mismatched furniture with a cohesive, modern aesthetic that reflects the global scale of the MSC brand. For MSC, this meant a workspace that better supports productivity, impresses visitors, and reinforces their international identity.

As a result, MSC’s workspace now features unified, contemporary furnishings that enhance both function and visual impact, elevating the experience for staff and visitors.

Key Requirements

 

  • We installed over 330 desks throughout the project, including 128 height-adjustable sit-stand workstations in this phase to support ergonomic wellness.
  • We standardised all desk surfaces with a “Nebraska Oak” finish to create a cohesive environment and strengthen MSC’s brand identity.
  • We prioritised sustainability by selecting eco-friendly seating materials, including Camira Rivet fabric made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. This fabric is produced from recycled plastic bottles and spun into high-quality REPREVE® yarn, turning plastic waste into functional textiles.
  • We improved office flow and privacy by integrating high-end meeting pods and custom storage walls, creating a functional and collaborative workspace.
Refurbished open-plan office at MSC Ipswich featuring a prominent black slatted partition wall, Imperial sit-stand desks, and ergonomic seating.

The Design

  • The design process was tailored to the client. We invited the MSC facilities and marketing teams to the Imperial Office Furniture factory and showroom in Manchester, where they observed manufacturing and evaluated products for durability and aesthetics.
  • Our team completed Phase One at Medite House by conducting a comprehensive site survey and detailed space planning in collaboration with the MSC-appointed space-planning company. This groundwork allowed us to execute Phase Two at MSC House efficiently, drawing on our in-depth knowledge of the building and workspace.
  • We partnered with Imperial Office Furniture, The Meeting Pod Company, Pledge Office Chairs, and Quadrifoglio to deliver the majority of the furniture and three bespoke storage walls. iQ Workspace consultants Bob and Ollie conducted on-site measurements to ensure a precise fit. Guided by the client’s inspirational images, we created a functional, custom design.
Refurbished open-plan office at MSC Ipswich featuring Imperial sit-stand desks, ergonomic seating, and a bespoke wood-panelled wall.
Spacious open-plan corporate workspace at MSC Ipswich equipped with an acoustic meeting pod and Imperial sit-stand desks.
Expansive open-plan office at MSC Ipswich showing rows of Imperial sit-stand desks, ergonomic chairs, and large windows with panoramic views.

Acoustic Privacy

At the client's request, we installed two Silen Space Pods to maintain continuity, as they were already familiar with these Estonian-made units and had used them in other areas of their workspace. We also added a Container Booth from the Meeting Pod Company, which includes enhanced sound-control safety glass and integrated air circulation. These installations create quiet zones ideal for a busy logistics hub.

Ergonomic Excellence

The Tick High Back Chair, upholstered in Camira Rivet Charcoal, has been selected as the office standard. Each chair features inflatable lumbar support and seat slides to ensure employee comfort.

Social & Reception Areas

We introduced Pledge Two-Seat Sofas and Jade Reception Chairs in vibrant mustard fabrics to create a more welcoming atmosphere for visitors and staff.

Elevated view of the refurbished MSC Ipswich open-plan office featuring rows of Imperial sit-stand desks, Tick ergonomic chairs, and a bespoke wood-panelled wall.

The Challenges

Managing a project of this scale required careful coordination.

  • We responded promptly to the client’s requests to adjust desk counts and floor placements throughout the project.
  • We delivered and installed hundreds of desks, three pods, and three custom storage walls, coordinating closely with on-site contractors and the MSC team to minimise disruption. Chelsea, our Head of Operations, maintained a detailed schedule and held daily briefings with the installation team to ensure MSC’s global operations continued without interruption.
  • Our installation teams worked efficiently to meet the team’s move-in date.
Close-up of an Imperial electric sit-stand desk and a Tick ergonomic office chair at the refurbished MSC Ipswich workspace.

The Results

  • The refurbishment has established the MSC Ipswich office as a flagship workspace. The new environment features high-density desking and open collaborative areas, with acoustic pods available for private conversations, meetings, or calls.
  • The project is entering Phase three, where we will complete the remaining floor at Medite House and continue to support the customer’s vision.
A detailed view of the new workstation setup at MSC Ipswich.
A close-up photograph focusing on an individual workstation within the brightly lit MSC Ipswich open-plan office.
A close-up photograph focusing on an individual workstation within the brightly lit MSC Ipswich open-plan office.
Close-up of an Imperial electric sit-stand desk and a Tick ergonomic office chair at the refurbished MSC Ipswich workspace.
A detailed view of the new workstation setup at MSC Ipswich.
A close-up photograph focusing on an individual workstation within the brightly lit MSC
Close-up of an Imperial electric sit-stand desk and a Tick ergonomic office chair at the refurbished MSC Ipswich workspace.
Close-up of an Imperial electric sit-stand desk and a Tick ergonomic office chair.
A detailed view of the new workstation setup at MSC Ipswich.
Spacious open-plan corporate workspace at MSC Ipswich equipped with an acoustic meeting pod and Imperial sit-stand desks.
Close-up of an Imperial electric sit-stand desk and a Tick ergonomic office.
Refurbished open-plan office at MSC Ipswich featuring Imperial sit-stand desks, ergonomic seating, and a bespoke wood-panelled wall.
Refurbished MSC Ipswich office interior featuring Imperial sit-stand desks in Nebraska Oak, charcoal high-back chairs, and two Silen Space acoustic pods.
A close-up photograph focusing on an individual workstation within the brightly lit MSC Ipswich open-plan office.
“

We are delighted with the office furniture fit-out provided by iQ Workspace. Bob and Chelsea were exceptional throughout the process, offering invaluable guidance and support. The fit-out staff who assisted with our move to the new offices were professional, efficient, and ensured everything was completed to a high standard. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend iQ Workspace for any office furniture requirements. Avena Group.

Throughout the process we were guided by what felt like a real business partner, not just a supplier. This kind of service is second to none, especially in the current Covid-crisis circumstances.

Our business is all about helping companies to improve their customer experience, to do this we needed to improve our employee experience in the office. iQ Workspace was recommended and Bob went out of his way to be sure his solution was going to work best for us. It was all fitted as planned and has improved the office atmosphere, an essential investment in customer experience. Thank you all.

iQ workspace has been my go-to provider for office furniture and accessories since the beginning. They are professional, industrious, supportive and responsive in ways that no other supplier has been. The team are proactive and efficient, providing an insight into the latest developments and solutions and this ability has proved a boon during the recent pandemic with timely and purposeful recommendations for making the best use of our accommodation. I would not and do not hesitate to recommend them whenever asked and look forward to a great future relationship with total confidence.

I have worked with iQ Workspace since they began, on a number of projects of varying sizes and complexities. Each project has been a complete success and iQ Workspace have worked with us to meet our ever-changing timescales and demands. I thoroughly enjoy working with the team who are all lovely, from the back office right through to the gentleman delivering and constructing the items of furniture on the installation. The team have a wealth of knowledge about their products. There is a wide selection of equipment and furniture to choose from in multiple colours and fabric options which are fantastic quality. I highly recommend them.

Avena Group
Operations Manager, Research Facility
Director, Gift Packaging Supplier
Estates & Facilities Manager, NHS
Transition Programme Manager, NHS

Frequently Asked Questions: MSC Workspace Refurbishment

iQ Workspace installed over 330 desks, including 128 Imperial electric sit-stand desks for active working. The project also featured Tick High Back orthopaedic chairs, bespoke Imperial storage walls, and Silen acoustic meeting pods for privacy.

Sustainability was a core focus of the refurbishment. We prioritised eco-friendly materials, notably the Camira Rivet fabric used for seating. This fabric is made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, transforming plastic waste into high-quality textiles.

To support the busy environment of a global logistics hub, iQ Workspace installed Silen Space Pods and a Container Booth from the Meeting Pod Company. These feature enhanced sound-control safety glass and integrated air circulation, creating dedicated quiet zones for calls and focused work.

Still haven’t found what you’re looking for?

Our team has access to a vast portfolio of office furniture from global partners such as Imperial, Silen, and Pledge. If you need a large-scale refurbishment or a bespoke storage solution, we can find it.

01603 670 701
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Boardroom with a table and dark blue chairs and a vase.