Frozen fruit and vegetable supplier Ardo UK has invested £4 million to increase its cold storage facilities by more than 20 per cent.
The expansion, at its base in Charing, Kent, will take overall storage capacity from 19,000 to 23,200 pallets. It is due to be finished by October 2014.
In addition to the increased freezer space, the development will include new loading docks able to accommodate double-decker trailers.
The extension will be fully integrated with the existing cold store and feature the same mobile racking system and sensor-controlled LED lighting.
Ardo UK supply chain director Jon Barnes said that although cold storage is not the company’s core business, it is an important additional source of income.
“Our cold store is just off the M20 and close to the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel, making us an attractive location for companies bringing in frozen goods from mainland Europe.
“Improved handling facilities and extra space all make for added flexibility and help us continue to improve and grow our cold store operation.”
Barnes said that the expansion work follows a record performance by the business last year.
Ardo UK opened its current site in Charing in 2000, expanding in 2010 with a new factory, packaging store and cold store extension. It supplies frozen fruit and vegetables into the wholesale, retail and foodservice sectors.
The company is part of the wider Ardo Group, which has 14 manufacturing and packing sites across eight countries.
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