Russell WBHO set to deliver over 120,000sq ft temperature-controlled storage for logistics giant

Posted by on 28 Sep 2020

Photo © Lineage Logistics storage and distibution headquarters at Heywood in Greater Manchester

Russell WBHO is set to deliver 126,000 sq ft of cold storage capacity for Lineage Logistics at two UK sites.

Work has commenced work on an 80,000 sq ft or 21,000 pallet cold storage unit at the firm’s UK headquarters in Heywood, Greater Manchester.

The project is the culmination of a multi-phase expansion of capacity at the Heywood site that Russells has supported over the last decade.

In total, the team will have built 260,000 sq ft of space, housing upwards of 57,000 pallets, at the Heywood facility since 2004.

Construction is also due to complete next month on a multi-million pound extension to the Lineage Logistics Southern Distribution Centre at Great Haddon near Peterborough.

The team has built a 46,000 sq ft cold store housing 15,000 pallets. This unit is an extension to the first phase of the project which was completed in 2018, and will bring storage capacity at Great Haddon to 93,000 sq ft / 26,000 pallets.

Russell WBHO has worked with Lineage Logistics for more than 15 years and has already delivered in excess of 1million sq ft of cold storage space across its national network of 14 sites. The team takes on every aspect of the project, from design and planning right through the build, handing over the completed scheme just prior to temperature pull down.

Andrew Russell, joint managing director of Russell WBHO, said: “The seamless working relationship developed over the last 15 years means we operate as a genuine extension of the Lineage team. Working together from the early concept stage ensures the buildability aligns directly with the client’s requirements, budget and timescales.

“We are very proud to support the expansion of the UK’s largest cold storage and distribution operator, and will continue to deliver the high quality, state-of-the art facilities that their customers expect.”

Lineage Logistics is continuing a planned programme of expansion across the UK, responding to demand for cold storage facilities from manufacturers, retailers, and food service providers.

Jonathan Baker, executive director Lineage Logistics, said: “The value of the cold chain has never been so apparent as it is today, with pressure on food manufacturers and retailers resulting in increased demand for temperature-controlled storage and distribution facilities.

“The expansion of our storage capacity was already in progress due to existing demand, though the current situation has highlighted the need for an extensive and enlarged cold chain provision throughout the world.

“Having Russell WBHO on board significantly reduces the time it takes to deliver that additional capacity, thanks to their familiarity with our requirements and the strength of relationships within the project team. Together with their specialist suppliers, these new facilities will be coming on-line over the next two years, providing our customers with the most up-to-date systems and resources available.”