Tuffnells moves into new Sheffield DC ahead of year of 'increased efficiency'

Tuffnells has moved into a new, purpose-built main DC in Sheffield. The new 20,000ft² site, built on four acres, has 51 loading bays and will be home to 139 Tuffnells employees.

The operator had inhabited its previous DC on Shepcote Lane for 50 years, and Tuffnells said it is pleased to have kept the business operating out of a new site in its home town.

It added that the new site provides better, more flexible, transport links and better accessibility for both employees and clients.

It also boasts a double deck conveyer belt.

General manager of the new Sheffield DC, Danny Hollingdrake, said: “We were located on Shepcote Lane in Sheffield for 50 years, so it’s fantastic to be able to keep the business in the city it has called home for so many years.

“Since our move, we’ve already added two 7.5 tonne vehicles to our ranks, with further plans to add up to five more HGVs to our fleet in the coming years."

Group property and facilities manager James Church added that the business is looking to achieve greater efficiency out of its DCs this year through a combination of more new sites and upgrades to existing ones.

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He added: “This move really has topped off what has already been a massive year for the whole team at Tuffnells. The new centre is the first purpose-built facility constructed for the business in over nine years and forms one of our 37 regional locations across the nation.

“Tuffnells’ journey started in Sheffield 100 years ago, and we’re so pleased to be able to keep the business’ roots, and the employment opportunities it provides, in Sheffield, both with the launch of this new distribution centre and the recent relocation of our headquarters to the Meadowhall Business Park."

Tuffnells saw its turnover grow by 1.3% in the most recent results released by parent Connect Group for the 19 weeks ended 19 January 208.

Its volumes for the weeks also increased by 2.6%, but the operator warned it faced uncertain market demand and that the widespread HGV driver shortage had impacted business during the period.