Extraction specialist targets further expansion with 30,000 sq ft distribution centre

An industrial air filtration and extraction specialist is investing in a new distribution centre in Shropshire to help it meet growing demand for its products.

Filtermist International, which is part of the Absolent Group, has taken on a 30,000 sq ft unit close to its purpose-built headquarters on the T54 Business Park in Telford.

Organic sales growth and an acquisition trail that has seen it purchase the DCS Group of Companies and Kerstar in the last six months, resulted in the decision to create a central facility that would be responsible for the firm’s logistics operation.

This move will enhance stock control and delivery lead times even further, as well as freeing up additional capacity to increase its metal fabrication footprint.

“Domestic and export orders have increased dramatically over the past five years, as the global demand to create cleaner, safer and more productive workshops that deliver clean air continues to grow,” said James Stansfield, CEO of Filtermist International.

“With volumes increasing and additional capacity required as a result of some of our acquisitions and us inheriting several key UK product brands, we made the decision to increase our footprint.

“It made perfect sense to do this by consolidating certain manufacturing operations at our current headquarters and centralising assembly and distribution in the new facility next door.”

He added: “There has been investment in new equipment and hardware for both Telford sites, including additional welding bays, cranes and a new CNC spinning machine. Our specialists are also exploring the possibility of integrating additional automation into the production process.”

The expansion has been made possible through a new development by Telford & Wrekin Council, funded through a £50m Growth Fund on a site made available through the Telford Land Deal.

The deal, which brings forward redundant industrial sites by investing in infrastructure to encourage investment and expansion, is a partnership between the council, Homes England and the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership.

Cllr David Wright, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet lead for the Land Deal, said“This is a case of Telford & Wrekin Council providing speculative units to cater for high demand in the market.
“Our units within the Council’s property portfolio are fully let and there is a lack of this type of stock in our borough so it makes sense for us to step in where developers are reluctant to do so.
“T54 is a great location – well positioned to take advantage of Telford’s excellent transport links.”