Work begins on huge new charity warehouse in Kettering

Construction of the state-of-the-art, 56,500 sq ft unit, which will be operated by the Salvation Army Trading Company (SATCoL), was marked with a ground-breaking ceremony and blessing.

The clothing collection division building is being built just off the A43, near Northamptonshire Police's northern hub. It will be used to manage the re-use and recycling of clothing and raise millions of pounds each year to support The Salvation Army’s charitable work.

Trevor Caffull, managing director of SATCoL, said: “Supporting The Salvation Army’s mission and charitable work, alongside an investment in our people and upholding the highest environmentally-sustainable standards, are priorities for our business.

“We have become a trusted partner to large corporations, supermarkets and local authorities across the UK. This new warehouse will see greater efficiencies and increased capacity, and help us to continue to manage large-volumes of donated textiles.

"We are thankful to have this opportunity to establish an operation in a prime location, and to continue to represent the good work of The Salvation Army within the local community and nationwide.”

The new facility, which is due to be completed in the second half of 2020, is being developed with Buccleuch Property and will enable SATCoL to process up to 45,000 tonnes of donated clothing per year.

The new site will accommodate 120 existing staff members who currently work in the Pytchley Lodge Road operation in Kettering as well as staff from the company’s Wellingborough support centre.

Jay Fleming, business relocation project manager at SATCoL, said: “The new warehouse is purpose-built for our operational needs and will see vast improvements in processes and working conditions.

"We are introducing a number of environmentally-friendly features such as solar panels on the roof, electric car charging facilities, and ‘green’ cycle shelters.”