Wholesaler to move premises in order to expand operations
SCOTTISH wholesaler JW Filshill is preparing to move its operations to a new purpose-built distribution centre near Glasgow Airport.
The relocation will allow Filshill to focus more on the fresh and chilled category, as well as expanding into the foodservice and on-trade sector in the future.
Simon Hannah, managing director of Filshill, said that the firm couldn’t “hold off waiting for Brexit.”
“We need to get ready for the next phase of group growth, keep ourselves relevant to the ever-changing market, ensure job security for our staff and continuously improve on providing service excellence to our customers – that’s all hugely important to us.”
The new 120,400 sq ft distribution centre will be developed by Canmoor at Westway Park.
It marks Scotland’s largest industrial pre-let for five years, and will incorporate 10,000 sq ft of office space for Filshill’s head office.
“Westway is an outstanding location for us,” said Hannah, “less than three miles from our current premises at Hillington and next to Glasgow Airport which will become increasingly important as we develop our international business in the coming years.
“Our business is successful because of our people, most of whom live in Renfrewshire, so finding new premises near their homes was a major consideration for us in choosing Westway, along with its prestigious and secure location.
“The facility is being built to our exact specification and will provide pallet capacity of 12,000 in a 14-metre high warehouse with 12 loading docks.”
Filshill has enjoyed rapid expansion over the last few years, thanks in part to accounts with the Scottish Prison Service and CalMac.
It also supplies 185 KeyStore convenience stores across Scotland and the north of England, with turnover expected to reach £155 million this year.
Andrew McCracken, director of JLL, who represented Canmoor, said: “The industrial market is now at a stage where requirements such as this can only be accommodated by taking a pro-active, forward-thinking approach, which is what is being done by Canmoor at Westway.
“We have witnessed new degrees of optimism in the Renfrewshire market, with increased demand for space at Westway.”
Craig Semple, associate director of Avison Young, who represented Filshill in the deal added: “Westway offers the perfect location for Filshill and the landlord’s positive approach has enabled this deal to progress smoothly and meet the company’s business needs.”
The new development is estimated to take 18 months to complete.
