Work is officially underway on the Barton & Redman’s largest project in recent years: the construction of a new 42,500 sq ft warehouse, including temperature-controlled chambers and office facilities, complete with external service yards, at the New Smithfield Market, in Manchester. The project is being managed by Barnfield Construction Limited, this construction marks an important moment in history and is expected to create many new opportunities for employment for Barton & Redman.
In 1964, Barton & Redman is among the biggest wholesalers in the UK of fresh vegetables and fruits that has its own fleet of vehicles which distribute the goods. It is also expanding rapidly in the import business and is able to import products from around the globe by air as well as by air and sea every day.
Paul Barton, Owner, and Managing Director of Barton & Redman explained the humble beginnings of the family-owned business: “My father Thomas Barton founded the company together with Jack Redman in the mid-sixties and set out to supply the local Manchester chip stores with highest quality of potatoes.”
A lot of changes have taken place in the past few years, such as the creation of an Spanish department that has a staff that is based in Spain. Matthew Barton, Owner, and Sales Director at Barton & Redman, said: “We have been developing new lines of products, which include various kinds of fruits and vegetables, salads, exotic foods, international food as well as eggs. We have more than 2,000 products and have a look at markets around the world like the Asian market for produce – and our business has developed into an active enterprise.”
“Today Barton & Redman is one of the largest UK importers, wholesalers and retailers of fresh fruit and veggies. At our Manchester headquarters, we manage our distribution across the world,” added Paul Barton.
In terms of how this new facility can aid in their development, Paul Barton explained: “From our new location we’ll be able to increase our capability to double our production, which will allow us to grow the capacity of our international supply.”
Tim Webber MBE, Chairman and Director-General of Barnfield Construction said: “Work is moving along well on the brand new Barton & Redman site and we’re thrilled to have a hand in providing a top-quality and energy efficient facility that will play a key role to their expansion plans.”
The directors both expressed enthusiasm regarding Barnfield Construction’s forthcoming position. In the words of Matthew Barton: “We are expanding constantly, and the biggest obstacle it faces in expanding is the insufficient space within the existing facilities. Because of this, the development of the brand new warehouse is going to make huge difference to the quantity of purchases as well as sales and distribution”.
“In the meantime, it could bring about a major improvement in regards to the loading and unloading of trucks, cutting down on waiting time as well as avoiding waiting in lines, making work simpler for everyone on the staff, including drivers.” said Barton.
Barton and Redman’s facilities currently include a 25,000 sq feet warehouse that is located to the east end of the market. A brand new space of 42,500 square feet will be constructed directly on the other side of.
More information is available here:
Barton & Redman
Tel: +44 7990 093690
Email: susana.almenar@bartonandredman.com