To support its further growth, plans for a new large warehouse have been submitted to West Suffolk Council by long-established local business, Sealey.
Wincer Kievenaar Architects, who have had worked with Sealey over the last couple of decades, has designed the scheme which, if planning is granted, will be sited on Suffolk Business Park in Bury St Edmunds, adjacent to the existing sites in Kempson Way.
Two businesses currently operate out of Kempson Way. These are Sealey, which has been trading for 40 years, selling tools and equipment to local dealers across the UK, who in turn supply the automotive, engineering, agricultural markets, and Dellonda, which has just completed its first full year of trading and supplies home, garden and leisure products direct to the consumer via on-line channels.
As one of the largest private sector employers in the town, with 430 employed by Sealey and 16 people employed by Dellonda, both businesses have seen significant growth over the last 12 months. Therefore, there is a need to create more office and warehouse space, to allow the businesses to grow further.
Mark Sweetman, Group Projects Director, is enthusiastic about the future and explained: “This new warehouse and office development is an important part of our growth strategy and will provide us with the increased space we need to accommodate additional stockholding, as well as the anticipated extra staff we will need to employ, hopefully from the local area. In addition, the growth of both businesses will also generate opportunities for those who are already part of our team should they wish to progress their careers.”
Craig Western is Director at Wincer Kievenaar Architects and explained the design concept.
“We have seen Sealey grow from strength to strength and have completed many projects over the last 20 years with the business. The current scheme, submitted for planning approval, includes a purpose-built 200,000 square ft warehouse and ancillary office accommodation and has been designed to complement the nearby Sealey Service Centre.
“The submission follows pre-application engagement with West Suffolk Council and seeks to integrate the Sealey portfolio of buildings within the Suffolk Business Park. Planning officer comments in respect of parking, cycle facilities, landscaping and architecture have all been taken on board and form part of the proposals submitted.”
If planning is granted, in addition to the new site, Sealey is also looking to expand and refurbish its current premises on Kempson Way, which are over 20 years’ old.
Mr Sweetman added: “Our roots are firmly established in Bury St Edmunds and we intend to make a significant investment to ensure that we provide a modern, clean working environment for all of our staff.”