Mainframe's London headquarters is investing more than 1.2 million pounds as part of a continuing expansion project that has necessitated a move to a larger studio.

Hot on the heels of opening Mainframe North in Manchester, the London studio will be moving in mid-September to the top floor of a beautiful old Clerkenwell warehouse, situated next to the Guardian's offices, in order to secure extra space for current and future expansion. Mainframe has bought the property outright for just under 1 million pounds.

This move dovetails with new kit purchases and staff hires. Mainframe's new space will be furnished with 200,000 pounds worth of new kit, including an additional five Maya seats and new work stations built around Mac and Boxx technologies. Mainframe has accordingly recruited four new animators to operate the extra kit.

Mainframe's Managing Director, Adam Jenns, said, "We feel very fortunate to be expanding like this in such an uncertain economic climate. It would feel like a bit too much of a risk if it weren't for the steady flow of repeat and new business that's coming our way."

Mainframe's new address from mid-September on will be Unit 10, The Piano Works, 113 -- 117 Farringdon Road, EC1. Building and move updates can be tracked via Mainframe's new blog: http://www.blog.mainframe.co.uk.