Investment lays foundation for flooring company’s expansion

A Stockport firm which sells flooring to the retail industry has seen unprecedented growth following a £2.5m investment.

Just six months ago wholesaler Kellars was supplying flooring to a handful of customers in the Greater Manchester area.

Now, following a period of investment kick-started last year by a £1m injection from a private investor, it is taking orders from hundreds of retailers, trade customers and smaller flooring wholesalers.

It is distributing as far north as Kendal in Cumbria, Leeds to the east and west to Pwhelli in Wales, and is targeting further expansion to other parts of the country.

Kellars has also tripled the amount of staff working from its head office at Bletchley Road on the Heaton Mersey Industrial Estate to 24, with more joining in the Summer.

Kellars’ commercial director Dave Francis said: “Last year, we made a significant investment in staff and infrastructure, with the long-term aim of growing Kellars into one of the leading players in the wholesale flooring industry.

“In addition to an extended range of carpets, this has included providing new products, such as laminate flooring, luxury vinyl tile and artificial grass, reflecting the growing demand from consumers for different types of flooring.”

He added: “In total we have invested over £2m in stock for our warehouse, and a further £100,000 in flooring samples to show our range at flooring exhibitions and events.”

The firm has also invested more than £300,000 in a new fleet of vehicles.

Mr Francis added: “We are building the infrastructure which will allow us to expand even further over the next few years, which will mean creating even more jobs and investing further in our fleet and products.

“We will also be looking to open further depots which will enable us to extend our presence in other parts of the country.

“It’s a whole new chapter for the business.”