Nov 9 2006
Plumbworld, the UK's largest independent online bathroom retailer continues to grow at a frantic pace. Last year the company grew sales by over 40% reaching a turnover in excess of £9 Million.
Plumbworld have had to increase storage capacity and staff at their site to cope with demand.
The company is based at a purpose built warehouse in Evesham, Worcestershire and when demand surged by over 40% yet again this year they had to find a fast solution to ensure continuity of supply for their increasing number of loyal online customers.
"Firstly, it was imperative that we improved the utilisation of the existing floor space. The storage issue was the first one we tackled and we decided a mezzanine floor over a section of the warehouse would be ideal," said Karen Nicholls – Operations Manager. "The first installation (108sqm) is now complete and the second install (166sqm) is imminent. At the same time we also needed additional office space due to the increase in staff (we now employ over 40 people at the site). By utilising existing dead space over one of our roller doors and building upwards it meant we could have additional offices and meeting rooms. Upon completion, we will have an additional 320sqm of useable floor space."
The building work is now well underway with the offices and second mezzanine floor due to be finished by December this year.
Plumbworld's turnover projections for 2007 exceed £14 million. If this phenomenal growth rate continues, it won't be long before Plumbworld outgrow their existing building altogether.
When asked about this, James Hickman, MD, said, "I anticipate we could outgrow our current building within 2 years. We are seeing amazing growth in sales of showers, taps and bathroom suites. However, I don't foresee any kind of move away from Evesham being necessary. We have the option to build additional units on the current site and continue our expansion here. Any business is only as good as its employees and I intend to support my staff by continuing to give them stability and security by remaining in Evesham."