Burnley wholesaler’s £3million investment provides food for thought

A leading Lancashire catering wholesaler is expanding its operation with new £3million premises.

Birchall Foodservice, based in Hapton, Burnley, has outgrown its current central warehouse and head office on Network 65 Business Park and is re-locating to the nearby £50million Burnley Bridge Business Park.

The third generation, family-owned business has purchased the 64,000 sq ft Cobalt House constructed as part of the high profile scheme, which is located at junction 9 of the M65.

The move more than doubles the company’s previous capacity, making it one of the largest privately-owned foodservice depots in the UK and better equipped to service its customers throughout the North of England and North Wales.

The new premises have been built to the latest thermal and environmental specifications and include a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen and exhibition and training centre.

Company MD Colin Birchall said: “Having our own in-house training and exhibition facility will really set us apart from our competitors. It means we will be able to host training events covering subjects of interest to caterers, and suppliers will be able to showcase the latest product innovations to our customers.

“The space that this exciting move provides will also allow us to expand our product offering substantially, putting us on the same playing field as the biggest players in the catering industry.”

The purpose-designed new warehouse will also enable Birchall Foodservice to expand into fresh foods with a comprehensive range of butchery, fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, allowing the business to provide customers with a full one-stop shop for all their catering needs.

Birchall Foodservice will be operational at Cobalt House from January 2015.