Logistics business makes phoenix-like return after serious blaze
Logistics business ArrowXL has made a triumphant return to Worcestershire after its previous base in the county was destroyed in a serious fire.
The delivery company has signed a two-year lease on a warehouse and distribution centre in Droitwich Spa.
It has also confirmed plans to rebuild its facility in Worcester, which was gutted by the blaze in April.
However, the company is now operating from a 160,000 sq ft facility in Droitwich.
Staff were being bussed to a temporary warehouse in Chepstow since the Worcester site was put out of action.
Ian Howell, CEO of ArrowXL, said he was pleased with the way the firm has responded to circumstance following the fire.
He said the company had spent considerable time sourcing and preparing the Droitwich site, which would help boost service provision in the Midlands.
ArrowXL will continue to operate out of the Chepstow site, which together with the Droitwich base will provide a combined 311,000 sq ft of warehouse space.
Mr Howell added: “We are also excited to confirm that plans are currently in place to rebuild our Worcester facility, which we anticipate will reopen in 2019.”
The West Midlands facilities will supplement the firm’s nationwide network, which includes hubs in Wigan, Enfield, Airdrie and Carrickfergus.
It has appointed a special team to project manage the Worcester rebuild, which is expected to take two years to complete.
As part of its plans, ArrowXL has invested more than £1m with UniCarriers to upgrade the materials handling equipment across its network.
In total, 53 pieces of specialist machinery have been ordered in time for the Black Friday peak period to further enhance productivity within its hubs.
The order includes a number of UniCarriers’ specialist high reach trucks that can operate at a height of 13.8 metres, which will enable ArrowXL to maximise space and efficiencies across its high bay warehouses.
