Bestway has opened its rebuilt east London depot in Hackney after a £6m investment. The development involved demolition of the previous warehouse on the site and took just under a year to complete.
For the duration of the work Bestway set up a complete cash and carry in a warehouse a mile away, to minimise disruption for its customers, and transferred all the stock back to the new depot when it reopened.
The new building is 80,000sq ft with 16 aisles, and pallets can be stored four high, which was not possible before due to a low roof. Tower display panels have been installed at the end of each aisle and improved signage directs customers to the 20,000 products now available.
There is a greater emphasis on the catering trade in the new depot, with a butchery department serving special fresh cut meat to order. There is an extended range of frozen foods and an enlarged cold room, and a new range of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Tobacco, wines and spirits are placed close to the entrance in a separate, enclosed secure section of the depot. The checkout area has 10 tills and there is a bigger car parking area with canopies. The 65 staff who worked at the previous depot have remained employed at the Hackney facility.
Younus Sheikh, managing director of Bestway Cash and Carry, said: "The success of this new development has been a true example of teamwork and I would like to thank everyone."
Will Government proposals to ban the display of tobacco in retail premises damage the wholesale sector?
- 27 November, 2008
FWD Annual Dinner & Gold Medal Awards
