Residual stock management specialist, soft drink and confectionery supplier Morris & Son (Leeds) Limited has secured a 52,413 sq ft warehouse in Barnsley from landlords Columbia Threadneedle Investments.
Leeds based Morris & Son, which currently operates out of a number of buildings in Leeds, has taken a 10-year lease on the purpose built distribution centre at Silkstone Court on Dodworth Business Park in Barnsley in a deal brokered by Knight Frank in Sheffield and Gent Visick in Leeds.
The move by the company, which was acquired by Andy Needham in 2003 and employs 60 people, reinforces Morris & Son’s growth plans with the relocation allowing improved warehouse and distribution efficiencies.
Andy Needham, Morris & Son Owner and Chief Executive, said: “After struggling to get a deal away on suitable premises in the Leeds area we had to cast our net further afield. Silkstone Court is a modern warehousing facility on a self-contained secure site literally 60 seconds off Junction 37 on the M1.
“We needed additional storage capacity and the 11m eaves gives us that. We have plans to consolidate another of my businesses on the same site and to develop the range of products we sell substantially. I am very pleased that all of our current staff have embraced the move and will be relocating with us. We will be retaining a small presence in Leeds and have further plans for improved systems and also additional recruitment in due course.
“We expect to complete the fit out and be in a position to move sometime in October.”
Rebecca Schofield, partner and head of industrial at Knight Frank in Sheffield, said: “The letting to Morris & Son represents the strength of the market at the moment in the region, reinforced by the position of the unit at J37 M1 which allows occupiers to take advantage of the immediate access to the M1 and access to both South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and beyond.”
Daniel Walker of Gent Visick added: “We are delighted to secure Morris & Son at Silkstone Court. The success of this transaction highlighted what a dynamic team effort can achieve. It is great to see the expansion of such a substantial company and we look forward to seeing their continued growth going forwards.”
The surrounding area of Dodworth Business Park is an established commercial location home to occupiers including Magna Colours and Koyo Bearings.
