Ascott Transport Limited (ATL) has opened a new warehouse at its Midlands hub in Foston, Derbyshire, as part of a major eight-figure investment project aimed at meeting demand from its growing client base.
The development is the second project that contractor GF Tomlinson has constructed for ATL. The facility includes a new 127,000sq ft warehouse with 14 loading bays, offices, welfare rooms and external concrete yards and roads.
ATL, which specialises in warehousing and distribution, said the facility will enable the company to meet increased demand from both new and existing clients as part of its strategic expansion plans.
The first phase of the development, which allowed the company to almost double its Midlands operating capacity, included a 190,000sq ft high-bay warehouse, three-storey gatehouse, high-spec offices, workshop, outside storage, and parking facilities.
The company said the addition of the new warehouse not only expands ATL’s operational capacity but also cements its position as a major logistics and storage hub in the Midlands.
Technological innovations within the building include the warehouse’s internal floor, which was designed and constructed with no joints, to facilitate the smooth movement of semi and fully automated MHE throughout the warehouse.
The development also boasts a number of sustainable features including photovoltaic panels, which will generate enough solar power to sufficiently supply the warehouse’s energy requirements and their recent investment into electric trucks, along with 400mm thick walls and roof to create a thermally stable warehouse and increased insulation to the office areas.
During the project, a pre-cast retaining wall was infilled on-site using surplus soil, reducing waste and transportation costs. An attenuation pond adjacent to the warehouse was also created to hold the site’s surface water to prevent flooding.
Andy Sewards, GF Tomlinson chairman, said: “Building on our long-standing relationship with ATL, it’s been a privilege to be part of the next phase of their growth plans.
”We’re pleased to have reached this completion milestone, which reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality projects that contribute positively to the communities we serve.”
Pete Ascott, ATL MD, said: “GF Tomlinson have been a consistent partner for us throughout this journey and both phases of the development have been a great success.
”The second phase adds a further 21,000 pallet storage capacity to our portfolio so now, with the development complete, we can begin our extensive growth plans and support our clients with industry leading quality warehousing space.”
