The first spade in the ground has signalled the start of expansion at ESPO’s warehouse and head office.
The 26,000 square foot extension to the site will double the company’s current storage capacity – enabling more stock, quicker turnarounds and reduced lead times for customers in the UK and across the world.
A ground breaking ceremony marked the beginning of the project, designed by architects IMA.
Work by contractors Galliford Try is expected to take a year and will also offer apprenticeships, on-site training and work experience opportunities for local people to benefit from the expansion.
Employing more than 400 people and offering school supplies and procurement services across the UK, ESPO has operated from its current location at Grove Park in Enderby since 2006.
ESPO is a partnership consortium of five councils and has enjoyed sustained growth over the last decade. It is now looking to build for the future as part of its growth strategy.
With returning and new customers and its package to support multi academy trusts the Enderby base has quickly reached capacity, deciding now is the time to expand and capitalise on its market strength.
Kristian Smith, Chief Officer at ESPO, said: “This is an exciting step for us. The last few years have seen unprecedented growth and this extension is our chance to extend our offer to customers and continue to invest in great service.
“We’re ideally located at our Enderby base and with great transport links to the rest of the UK, so it makes sense to extend our current site to secure our long-term future on Grove Park.
“The work will also benefit local people and nurture those starting out their career in the construction sector thanks to the commitment from Galliford Try, and we look forward to welcoming them over the next few months.
“We’re confident about the future and cannot wait until we can start to take advantage of the benefits this will inevitably bring.”
