Harborough Firm To Open New Distribution Centre

A successful Market Harborough company is to open a new distribution centre as part of expansion plans which will create new jobs.

The new 67,000 sq. ft base for Bramble Foods will be built as part of the final phase of Airfield Business Park, work on which has begun this week.

The fine food manufacturer and distributor specialises in the independent retail and gift market and has grown rapidly since launching in 2008.

It now employs over 140 people, with that number likely to rise to nearer 200 in the future.

Managing Director of Bramble Foods, Tony Foster, spoke to HFM:

(L-R) – Andrea Hopkins, Leicestershire County Council, Tony Foster, Managing Director of Bramble Foods, Declan Keegan, Leicestershire County Council Director of Corporate Resources

When the new distribution centre opens towards the end of next year, Bramble Foods will continue to operate from two of its three existing sites in the town.

The premises will be one of several new commercial units to be built on the business park off the B6047 Harborough Road, alongside a Costa Coffee drive-thru and space for a second drive-thru unit.

Leicestershire County Council is behind the expansion after setting up the business park in 2019.

Cllr Lee Breckon is cabinet member of corporate resources has welcomed the start of work on the final phase:

Work has begun on the site this week

A special event was held to mark the start of construction, featuring councillors, Leicestershire-based architects IMA Architects, building contractors Britcon and project managers Pulse Consult.

Britcon’s operations director Lee Noble told HFM many local firms will be involved:

(L-R) – Cllr Phil King, Division member for Market Harborough West & Foxton, Nick Shepherd, Managing Director of Britcon, Declan Keegan, Leicestershire County Council Director of Corporate Resources, Tony Foster, Managing Director of Bramble Foods, Andrea Hopkins, Leicestershire County Council

As with the first phase of Airfield Business Park, commercial units range in size to cater for a variety of business’ needs.

Sustainability will also be at the forefront of the development, featuring sustainable construction methods including the use of solar panels, electric car charging points, insulation and the use of best practice construction methods.