The Kitwave Group has opened a new distribution warehouse in Wakefield, with the new facility replacing the Group’s previous Wakefield site and will also act as the head office for on-trade wholesaler HB Clark.
The 165,000 sq ft facility will house a purpose-built unit of 65,000 sq ft and will also allow for integration of the wholesaler’s Leeds depot.
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Kitwave also claims that the premises will utilise warehouse management systems that will drive improved operational and administrative efficiencies, as well as providing modern spaces for coaching, training and in-person meetings.
As part of the move, the group’s soft drinks post-mix production facility will relocate from Leeds to Wakefield by May this year to bring operational synergies, including new equipment to improve capacity and better storage facilities.
HB Clark will also be introducing shortly a fully functional online solution for customers to shop and engage with which will optimise customers’ purchasing experience.
Commenting on the site opening, Paul Young, chief executive officer of Kitwave, said:
“The opening of this new site in Wakefield is a testament to the Group’s determination to continue pursuing opportunities through expansion and improved efficiencies, both for our customers and colleagues. Thanks to these synergies and optimised processes, including the launch of the fully functional online solution for customers, we are able to further improve the quality of our service provision and drive cross-selling, which will deliver long term value to the Group and its customers.
“We are delighted that all 80 of our staff members are making the move to the new site, highlighting the strong relationships Kitwave maintains with its colleagues. This is only the third move in HB Clark’s 100+ year history and comes at an exciting time for the Group, as it delivers on its growth strategy.”
Jay MacKay, Kitwave’s managing director of the on-trade division, added: “Across the Kitwave Group, we have always endeavoured to continue improving all touchpoints of the business. The new site, the relocation of our InFAMous Soft Drinks post-mix production facility to Wakefield and the imminent launch of HB Clark’s online purchasing solution epitomise this ambition.
“Forward-thinking initiatives such as these will significantly improve HB Clark’s operations, allowing the business to ensure the delivery of the highest quality service to its customers and continue to provide a first-class route to market for our supplier partners.”
