Building work starts on new warehouse for fruit & veg wholesaler
Nelson-based Barnfield Construction has started work on a new chilled storage facility for Manchester fruit and vegetable importing and wholesaling company, Barton & Redman.
Located in the heart of Manchester’s New Smithfield Market, the new development comprises a 42,500 sq ft warehouse including temperature-controlled chambers and office facilities, complete with external service yards.
Tim Webber, Chairman and Managing Director of Barnfield Construction, said: “Work is progressing well on the new Barton & Redman site and we are delighted to be a part of delivering a high specification and energy-efficient unit which will be fundamental in Barton & Redman’s growth plans.”
Established in 1964, Barton & Redman is among the UK’s largest wholesalers of fresh fruits and vegetables, with a fleet of vehicles that distributes the products.
The company is also growing exponentially in its import operations, bringing produce from all over the world by road, sea, and air daily.
Paul Barton, owner, and Managing Director of Barton & Redman, said: “My father Thomas Barton started the business with Jack Redman in the mid-sixties, with the aim to supply local Manchester chip shops with the finest quality potatoes.
“Many changes have occurred since then, including the establishment of a Spanish department with a team based in Spain.”
Matthew Barton, owner, and Sales Director of Barton & Redman, said: “We have been developing new product lines, including all types of fruits, vegetables, salads, exotics, world foods, and eggs. We reach more than 2,000 different items and explore worldwide markets – such as the Asian produce trade – and the business has grown into a dynamic enterprise.”
Paul Barton added: “Today Barton & Redman is one of the UK’s largest importers, wholesalers, and distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables. From our Manchester base, we oversee the distribution of our produce both nationally and internationally.”
Regarding how the new development will aid the future growth of the company, he said: “From our new unit, we will have the capacity to more than double our operations, with the goal to expand our capacity for international distribution.”
Matthew Barton said: “Barton & Redman is constantly growing, and the only limit it finds in its expansion is the lack of space in the current facilities. For this reason, the construction of the new warehouse will make a big difference in the volume of purchases, sales, and distribution.”
New Smithfield Market is the largest wholesale market in the North West, occupying a 35-acre site two-and-a-half miles from Manchester city centre.
Barton & Redman’s facilities include a 25,000 sq ft warehouse and the new 42,500 sq ft space will be built in front. When completed, land that currently consists of a car park and a series of industrial units will be the next big step in Barton & Redman’s business.
