French kitchens firm set for growth

A FRENCH kitchens manufacturer which opened its first showroom in this country in Warrington last year, is looking to open five more sites.

Mobalpa, which operates under a franchised model and has 280 stores in France, has reported a profitable first 10 months for its first UK facility on Winwick Road.
 
The company is hoping to see sales hit £1.1m this year in 2014, rising to £1.3m in 2015. It expects to open a further six showrooms in the UK over the next two years.

Mobalpa UK’s franchise director Cyril Raberin said: “We chose to open our first showroom in Warrington because of the central location and impressive showroom space.

“The success of the first year only demonstrates the potential for Mobalpa in the UK and our plans for future growth are already in motion. We are looking to grow the franchise over the year with three new showrooms, both in the north and south. The second showroom is due to open in Richmond in May and there are conversations already in place for the next two.”

He added: “It has been an exciting time for Mobalpa and the showroom in Warrington has demonstrated the interest of such a unique retail concept in the UK market.”

The 3,300sq ft showroom, which opened in June 2013, employs five people.