A HAPTON business is set to complete a £3 million relocation this month.

Wholesaler Birchall Foodservice will move to a new 64,000 sq ft site in Burnley Bridge Business Park from its current home at nearby Network 65 Business Park.

The family-owned firm will move to Cobalt House by the end of January after outgrowing its current warehouse, bosses said.

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Four companies have now confirmed their presence at the £50 million Burnley Bridge development, which was opened by Business Secretary Vince Cable at the former Hepworth’s chemical plant off junction nine of the M65 last February.

Birchall managing director Colin Birchall is the third generation of his family to take charge of the firm since its formation in 1939.

He said that the new premises had been built to the latest thermal and environmental specifications, and included a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen and exhibition and training centre.

Mr Birchall said: “Having our own in-house training and exhibition facility will set us apart from our competitors.

“It means we will be able to host training events covering subjects of interest to caterers, and suppliers will be able to showcase the latest product innovations to our customers.

“The space that this exciting move provides will also allow us to expand our product offering substantially.

“That puts us on the same playing field as the biggest players in the catering industry.”

The move more than doubles the company’s previous capacity, making it one of the largest privately-owned foodservice depots in the UK and better equipped to service its customers throughout the North of England and North Wales.

The purpose-designed new warehouse will also enable the company to expand into fresh foods, with a comprehensive range of butchery, fresh fish, fruit and vegetables.

Birchall Foodservice is a founder-member of the Country Range Group.

The company also has depots in Wrexham, Durham, Sheffield and Stafford.

Leeds-based developer Eshton Group has also recruited YESSS Electricals, Equinox Building Services and Townsend Music to take up units at the site, which it hopes will eventually generate 1,400 jobs.