CLF growth necessitates move to larger site
Credit: Quest 271
Signalling a new chapter and a ‘positive step’ in the employee-owned distributor’s growth plans, Logan Holiday, CLF’s managing director, announces a major move for 2025 which will see the business take residence in a large new warehouse on the outskirts of Southampton.
The relocation – which moves the team less than a mile from their existing site – will bring numerous benefits to the 210-plus staff who will enjoy ‘better transport links’ to and from the workplace and will allow CLF to continue offering ‘the best service possible’ to customers, expanding its range of innovative brands that give retailers ‘a competitive edge on the High Street’.
With 62,000 sq ft at their disposal (approximately 63% larger than their former building) and mezzanines making full use of the space, CLF’s buyers have the opportunity to increase stock holding capacity by over 120%, and to expand the number of new brands in their catalogue – particularly in chilled and frozen. “We will also have space for other initiatives to continue building on our first class ‘Just in Time’ service,” adds Holiday.
“Not only does it mark a new chapter in CLF’s history, it also marks a new chapter in my career with the company.”
“I am personally excited about the move because not only does it mark a new chapter in CLF’s history, it also marks a new chapter in my career with the company. The last time the business moved to a new premises was 2012 when I was still in college. Back then, I had a small part to play in helping design shelving and racking layouts for the new warehouse. Fast forward 12 years and I am now heading up the entire project to move the business on a scale that we have not experienced before.”
The move is planned for Q2 and the MD confirms no disruption is expected for retailers.
By Rosie Greenaway, editor