WernerCo invests US$13.8m in UK

The design image for WernerCo’s new distribution centre.

Leading ladder manufacturer WernerCo is to invest £10 million (US$13.8 million) in a new UK distribution facility.

The US-headquartered company, which described its 2020 fiscal year as “positive”, said it plans to relocate its distribution operations from Essex in England to a new 15,800m² (170,000sq ft) centre in Staffordshire.

While its existing facility in Maldon, Essex, ships around 20,000 products a week and holds a stock of around 300,000 units, the new distribution centre will have greater storage capacity and enable the manufacturer to improve its “sales and distribution capabilities”.

Justin White, managing director at WernerCo, said, “Despite the challenges faced in 2020, WernerCo had an incredibly strong year, with sales in the DIY and consumer market continuing to soar across our core brands such as Werner and Youngman.

“Following this, we are delighted to be re-investing into our warehouse and logistics capabilities with our new facilities.”

The distribution centre in Barton, Staffordshire, will span an area of 15,800sqm.

Currently under construction in the town of Burton-upon-Trent, WernerCo’s new distribution centre will also function as the company’s central UK office, housing its marketing department and a new showroom and training facility.

White said, “The new facilities are ideally located with good transport links, allowing us to continue offering services such as next-day delivery.

“Additionally, we are delighted that this new facility will offer a large number of new job opportunities at a time when they are needed most.”

According to the company, which recently release a new tower standards guide, the investment in its new site will create new warehouse and logistics jobs for the local community.