Jobs created as US dinnerware manufacturer expands at South Yorkshire business park

Thunder Group, a US-based designer and manufacturer of catering equipment and dinnerware, has doubled the size of its UK distribution base in Sheffield.

The company has expanded into two newly refurbished units at Claywheels Lane Business Park to support the expansion of its growing business across the UK and Europe.

The expansion will add an additional 14,273 sq ft of warehouse space to the group’s existing 15,265 sq ft unit.

Thunder Group has agreed a six year lease with St. Modwen for the site, which is the company’s newest distribution centre and is its only base outside of the US.

The firm expects to create five jobs in the Sheffield region as a result of the expansion.

John Hewitt, operations manager at Thunder Group, said: “There is growing demand for our products across the UK and Europe so it is critical that we have the capacity to grow in order to meet customer demand. The only factor that was holding us back was warehouse space. Through working with St. Modwen and Knight Frank we have now effectively doubled our capacity and have the right infrastructure in place to support our continued expansion into new markets.”

Paul Brustad, asset and development manager for St. Modwen, said: “Claywheels Lane is the ideal location for Thunder Group’s expansion. Not only is it in close proximity to Sheffield City Centre and the M1, but it also benefits from high quality units and St. Modwen’s flexible approach to lettings. We look forward to seeing further success from Thunder Group in the future.”

Tom Swallow, senior surveyor at Knight Frank, the letting agents that advised St. Modwen, said: “Thunder Group’s expansion demonstrates the suitability of Claywheels Lane Business Park as a home for growing businesses. The business park is now fully let and is a fine example of what can be achieved by developers when they create a quality product by investing in their properties.”