Coventry-based John Astley & Sons has sold its landmark city centre site, and is investing £2.5m in new, purpose-built premises at Coventry Business Park, off Fletchamstead Highway.
Astleys' new site will include over 30,000 square feet of modern warehousing, extensive parking and prestige office space, and will house the firm's highly successful Industrial Consumables Division, which is currently in the midst of a drive to develop its growing national presence.
Jonathan Astley, Astleys sales and marketing director, says that the firm, which celebrates its 275th anniversary this year, is moving into an exciting new era.
"Our aim is to ensure that we have the resources and capabilities to secure the long-term success of John Astley & Sons," he said.
"The Gosford Street premises have served us well for the past 66 years, but the age of the building and its location imposed restrictions on the development of the business. It became clear that any further investment would not have been wise.
"The move to a new site triggered the opportunity to review our overall business strategy, and the directors have now developed a robust plan that focuses on building upon the growing success of the Industrial Consumables Division."
The new location, which will become operational in January 2006, has been chosen to provide easy access to national trunk road and motorway networks, enabling speedier distribution of the firm's 16,000 products, and improving access and on-site facilities for trade counter customers.
A major advantage of the new location is its parking provision. It will have more than 60 spaces available for customers and staff, as well as extensive off-road loading and unloading facilities.
"Astleys is one of Coventry's oldest businesses, and our continued success has been built on our ability to adapt to changes in our operating environment," added Jonathan.
"We are creating a sound platform from which we can build for a more prosperous future, and we are looking forward to a flying start in 2006."
The old Astleys site in Gosford Street has been sold to Unite, the UK's largest provider of student accommodation.
Astleys Industrial Consumables offers a range of over 16,000 products, including workwear, personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning and hygiene products, and hand and power tools.