Kerakoll UK Ltd has announced that Barnfield Construction Ltd will build its major new warehouse and production facility in Preston, Lancashire.
This landmark project will see the construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution centre, including a three-storey office building, SHS/Utilities office, and extensive external works, drainage, and services installations. The new facility represents a significant investment in the region and will support Kerakoll’s continued expansion across the UK and Northern Europe.
Project Highlights
- Scope: Construction of a bespoke warehouse (7,314 sqm), high bay storage (2,414 sqm), SHS offices (404 sqm), and three-storey office building (1,786 sqm), totalling 11,918 sqm (128,285 sq ft).
- Site Area: 2.55 ha main site with 1.64 ha of expansion land.
- Location: APTUS, Preston, close to J31A of the M6, a prime site for industrial and logistics growth.
- Investment Value: Over £20m.
- Programme: Start on site 16 June 2025; sectional completions in September and November 2026; further production tower phases to follow in 2026/2027.
Strategic Significance
Kerakoll’s new facility will consolidate and expand its UK operations, currently based in Leyland and Chorley, enabling the company to better serve the market. The development will also act as a catalyst for local economic growth, with the wider APTUS scheme having the potential to create up to 1,500 jobs in Lancashire.
Carl Gardner, managing director of Kerakoll UK, said: “This development is a crucial component of our growth strategy and will significantly enhance our presence in the UK. We look forward to collaborating with Barnfield as construction begins. The facility will allow us to expand within international markets and will create 20 jobs when the plant opens and a total of 50 when at full capacity, which is great news for the borough.”
Tim Webber, chairman and managing director of the Barnfield Group, commented: “As we approach our 50th year in business it is fantastic to have been awarded such a prestigious contract. My team and Kerakoll’s team have been working collaboratively over the past two years to get to an agreed position. We look forward to getting started and working with Kerakoll to provide high-quality, sustainable premises to facilitate their growth plans.”
The development at APTUS is a Joint Venture between Barnfield Construction and HBD and provides 36 acres of commercial development land. The facility for Kerakoll will anchor the scheme and will be a catalyst for the development.
