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‘A blank canvas to develop the business’
Thriving logistics business Sanderson Transport has bought neighbouring land to its warehousing in Corby.
The management team have recognised that the booming e-commerce market place is transforming the supply chain and saw an opportunity to invest in the former Roquette site in Sallow Road.
In recent years the business has adapted to keep pace with new trends, with investment in warehousing facilities and infrastructure, securing double AA food standard accreditation, developing people and expanding the fleet.
The latest deal was made possible with finance supported by Lloyds Bank. The acquisition is seen as providing a ‘fantastic blank canvas for the development of the business’ which was set up by Stephen Sanderson in 1973.
His sons Chris, who is operations director and Ed, commercial director, have worked to keep the family-owned firm moving forward.
Ed said: “In the immediate future, it offers the opportunity to expand our warehousing by a significant 55,000 square feet, more than doubling our Corby capacity and increasing our overall warehousing space to more than 150,000 square feet. This is supported by 10,000 square feet of new office space.
“In addition to e-commerce fulfilment and distribution, our work within the food industry is now a key growth area. Part of the site will be redeveloped over the next year to meet food standard criteria, also supporting the massive development in the food manufacturing industry within Corby.”
The new site also creates possibilities beyond warehousing, creating capacity for overflow of the company’s current transport and distribution operation in Market Harborough. 5.5 acres of land provides parking for up to 45 trucks and has space for a weighbridge and HGV vehicle wash.
The site also houses what was formerly Roquette’s Corby Innovation Centre, a conference and meeting space which the company intends to use for training and for community or industry collaboration.
Sanderson expects the investment to create new jobs, improve efficiency and relieve pressures across the company’s other sites. Ed said: “This is fantastic news for the business and for the community. Acquisition of the site at Sallow Road will help us deliver on our vision for the business and ensure we are fit for the future. But we are also delighted to be investing in Corby and to be part of an exciting regeneration initiative in the area.”