Leekes expands warehouse space in Pontyclun

Department-store chain, Leekes, has finished work on a significant expansion to its warehouse site in Pontyclun, South Wales.

The investment by the family-owned chain has created 25 new jobs at the site, which has increased from 12,500 to 16,750 square metres, in order to keep up with storage requirements driven by increasing consumer demand. 

Leekes recently reported a 12% rise in like-for-like sales in half year results, following a strong financial year in 2015-2016. 

Leekes currently operates five stores and a transactional website.

Chris Leeke, operations director, said “The increased space created by the expansion to the warehouse will be invaluable to us.

"We will have more scope t store increased volumes of stock and ultimately fulfil customer demand more efficiently, effectively and in a more timely manner.

"We are particularly grateful to Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for their efforts in supporting us as a significant local employer through both the planning process and by working with us to investigate what grant opportunities were available.

"We would also like to thank the Welsh Government for their assistance and access to grant funding which has made this project possible.”

Economy Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates said: "It’s great news to hear that Leekes, a highly successful indigenous business, is going through a significant expansion programme and also benefiting from its investment in on-line trading.

"Increasing capacity at its warehouse is vital for the company’s on-going success and I am very pleased support from the Welsh Government helped facilitate this expansion that is creating and safeguarding jobs in the area.”

Leeke's managing director, Emma Leeke, said “We are delighted that this warehouse expansion is now complete - it is an exciting time for the business, allowing us to grow our capacity and extending our catchment area further to meet increased customer demand.

"This new venture, along with the recent acquisition of Park Furnishers in Bristol, demonstrates our commitment to investing in our business. It’s likely to be a challenging but exciting few years ahead.”

Source :  Insight DIY

Original article: www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/department-store-leekes-creating-25-11762945