DONCASTER: The first phase of a new warehouse for Yorkshire-based taps, valves and fittings manufacturer Pegler Yorkshire is now complete.
With the structural steelwork now in place, directors from the Pegler Yorkshire Group were on site to review progress and confirm the build is on schedule.
With manufacturing facilities in Leeds and Doncaster, the Pegler Yorkshire Group announced plans for the new warehouse in April and once complete, this new facility in the Dearne Valley will become the hub of the group's UK distribution.
Over 200 million taps, valves and fittings will go through the facility every year once operational and over £1bn of product will be handled over the next five years.
Pegler Yorkshire's financial director Ian Howarth, production director Martin Dowling and marketing director Phill Jackson marked the completion of the steelwork on site, together with David Newton, managing director with St Paul's Developments which is responsible for the site and Rebecca Schofield, an associate with Knight Frank who brokered the original deal.
Ian Howarth said: "The completion of steelwork for the new Brookfields distribution and warehouse facility means we can really see the Pegler Yorkshire Group's vision becoming a reality. This is an important strategic step for the business and confirms Aalberts Industries commitment to continue to invest in the Pegler Yorkshire Group where no one can miss it. Manufacturing is still an important part of the economy and by investing £10m in this new facility, we are giving the clearest indication of our determination to drive the business forward."
This investment follows an additional £12m investment in the Doncaster facility, announced by Business minister Pat McFadden on a ministerial visit to the Doncaster site in February and taken together confirm the company's commitment to invest in the business and the Yorkshire region as a whole.
With work underway on schedule, the build timetable will see initial construction completed by November 2009, with internal fitting out finished by February 2010. This schedule will see the facility fully operational by the second quarter of 2010.
David Newton, managing director at St Paul's Developments added, "This move to Brookfields is seen by Pegler Yorkshire Group as a chance to capitalise on excellent tax incentives to help consolidate their operation."
The Pegler Yorkshire Group currently employs over 800 people in the UK and the warehouse investment will significantly enhance the capability of the business, by improving customer service product delivery, flexibility and environmental performance.
"Company's that do not invest are on a slow decline," said Mr Howarth. "We have not used the current financial downturn as an excuse, but rather have seen it as an opportunity to put the business in the best possible position for future growth."
