News

Gloucestershire-based operator Downton has opened a £10m distribution centre as part of a long-term strategy to emerge strongly from the recession.

"While these are not the best economic times, we enjoy the benefit of being a privately-owned family business and have always pursued a long-term investment strategy," says finance director Richard Downton. "This major new facility will place us in a good position to emerge quickly and more  strongly when the economy improves."

Located at Quedgeley, south of Gloucester, and near Junction 12 of the M5, the 120,000ft2 facility has six goods inward bays and eight loading docks, which will be used primarily to handle branded electronic goods. A company spokesman says the investment ties in with two, soon-to-be-announced contract wins, and adds that since opening in January, the facility is 80% full.