A LEADING food firm is ready to open the doors on its new multi-million pound complex – which has been a decade in the making.
Huddersfield-based Total Foodservice began planning to move one of its major depots in 2002 when the company was formed following a merger.
Now – after years of planning and a £2.9m investment – the final touches have been made and the keys have been handed over.
Deputy managing director Simon Howarth said: “This is a significant milestone in our history.
“We are all very excited about our new premises, which are beautiful to look at and create plenty of new business opportunities for us.”
The new hub at Ribble Valley Enterprise Park on the outskirts of Clitheroe replaces the firm’s previous site at nearby Chatburn.
The new site stands on one-and-a-half acres of land and more than doubles the amount of office space and warehousing available.
It also comes equipped with a host of environmentally-friendly features, including a rainwater recycler, low-energy LED lighting and specially insulated walls which keep the workers warm and the food cold.
An “electronic expansion valve system” means computers monitor temperatures at all times, making minor adjustments to keep everything at the right temperature while using as little energy as possible.
The equipment is also the quietest on the market, which will please residents nearby.
The facilities include two dedicated loading bays, single-floor storage over 36,000sq ft and a presentation kitchen which can be used to give demonstrations to customers.
Said Mr Howarth: “This is a family business which has been around for several decades, starting in 1967 as Howarth Foodservice in Huddersfield.
“We have built this depot to secure our future for decades to come. It is something for the whole company to be proud of.
“Every last detail has been designed to make us more professional, greener and more efficient. It opens up a world of opportunities for us.”
Total Foodservice , which has its Huddersfild base at Dalton, is one of the largest catering wholesalers in the North of England. It was formed in 2002 when two family firms merged and now delivers a range of more than 4,000 groceries, chilled and frozen foods and cleaning materials.
