Leicester-based family transport company Mitchell Storage and Distribution has relocated to premises three times the size of its former depot to cope with increasing demand.
The firm, headed by Managing Director Bill Mitchell, wife Kerry, who is Company Secretary, son Glenn, Depot Manager and daughter-in-law Sara, in Customer Services, moved into a new 22,500 sq ft site on the East Goscote Industrial Estate - just 300 yards from its former depot on the same estate.
The move marks the beginning of a new chapter in the success of the company since it was started by Bill Mitchell in 1994.
Formed with just one van, Mitchell Storage and Distribution today employs a 16-strong workforce and serves 90 clients. Customers are predominantly Leicester and Midlands based although there are also a handful in London and Jersey.
Two years ago the company joined the Fortec Pallet Distribution Network and since then has continued to go from strength to strength. Recent investments include an additional 18-tonne vehicle, two Fortec-liveried, 40ft trailers and a third 40ft trailer with Mitchell branding. The company has also taken on four more members of staff.
Earlier this year Mitchell Storage and Distribution won the International Depot of the Year title in an annual awards ceremony organised by Fortec. The company fended off fierce competition from 65 licensees across the country to win the award. It was presented in recognition of the number of international consignments handled by the Mitchell's on behalf of the Fortec Network. Between January and June this year the company shipped more than 700 consignments to several European destinations.
Mr Mitchell said: "We have had a fantastic 12 months and could not have hoped for a better start to our move into these new premises.
"Already since the move we have had a new client come on board and in our first three weeks with them we have handled more than 500 pallets."
He added: "We are looking forward to continuing to build on this success in the future. I am hopeful that in the next three years we can further expand the business and hopefully also opening a second purpose-built depot in Leicestershire."
Neil Hodgson, Managing Director of the Fortec Pallet Distribution Network, added: "In the two years since Mitchell Storage and Distribution Ltd joined Fortec it really has proven itself as a valuable asset to the Network. Bill Mitchell and his team are highly respected among the rest of our licensees and the success of his company speaks for itself in terms of the award earlier this year and also the growth it has achieved in 2010.
"Congratulations to Mitchells on moving into their new premises. The move gives the company room to grow even further in the coming years and we look forward to working with them in a bid to achieve that growth together."