Yearsley opens first phase of Heywood cold store

Yearsley Logistics Director, Harry Yearsley takes over the newly completed unit from Russells construction MD, Andrew Russell

Yearsley, the largest frozen food logistics supplier in the UK, has completed the first phase of a three part expansion plan at its 13.6 acre site in Heywood.

When all three phases of the expansion are complete, it is expected that Yearsley will double their pallet size from 40,000 to 80,000 sites.

This expansion now allows Yearsely to create a ‘northern superhub’ where stock will be consolidated for more efficient delivery into the UK’s major retailers and food service organisations.

The expansion plan was decided when the existing Heywood cold store was running near to capacity. The company started work on the £20 million investment in May 2012.
The new building, which is located opposite the group’s headquarters in Heywood, is now in operation.

The building is super insulated to help reduce energy use making it one of the most energy efficient cold stores in the country. It will also include rainwater harvesting to feed the cooling systems, which will save on fresh water usage. Photovoltaic solar panels and LED lighting have also been fitted as Yearsley Logistics continue their focus on reducing electricity use by 8% by 2015.

The second phase of the expansion is currently being built ,with the shell of phase two being completed. It is understood that over the next six months this will be fitted out.

Managing Director of Yearsely, Harry Yearsely, said: “This expansion is in direct response to demand from new customers for whom the North West is an ideal location.

"Our existing Heywood store was running near to capacity and this expansion will amount to a £20m investment in facilities for our customers and also secures jobs for our employees.

"It is part of our long term plan to consolidate stock in strategically located stores, helping us to increase efficiency, reduce carbon output and better meet the storage needs of manufacturing customers and the delivery requirements of retail and food service customers across the country."