The unit, which could store up to 96,000 pallets, would be run entirely on renewable energy, which would make it ‘Europe’s most efficient cold storage facility’, Chesterfield-based Magnavale said.
“Environmentally responsible brands seeking to minimise their carbon footprint on the path to UK net zero will now have a simple choice when it comes to the greenest option for their supply chain,” said a spokesperson for the company.
Job creation
Construction of the unit is expected to create 230 jobs over two years and a further 300 jobs would become available on a permanent basis once the facility was fully operational.
“The project will create employment and boost the local economy during a key period of recovery from the COVID-19 recession,” added the spokesperson.
Magnavale currently has three temperature-controlled facilities in operation, based in Chesterfield (more than 50,000 pallet places), Scunthorpe (more than 90,000 pallet places), and Warrington (more than 30,000 pallet places).
In addition to the new facility at Easton, the company said it planned to expand the Chesterfield and Warrington sites.
Efficiency
“The new store in Easton will play a key role in the future of our business and the cold storage sector more generally,” said Amanda Cogan, Magnavale chief executive. “Whether it is in terms of operational efficiency or carbon efficiency, our new facility will set the standard for the next generation of cold stores.
“The food industry and the UK more generally demand more from us as a key link in the supply chain,” Cogan added. “And we intend to live up to our mission statement of offering retailers and manufacturers the opportunity to shorten, simplify and de-risk their supply chains while delivering a significant saving in their carbon footprint.”
Last month the company underwent a rebranding exercise following a refinance deal, with the Rick Bestwick arm of the business now coming under the wider Magnavale brand.
