Logistics operator Oakland International has won planning permission for a £1.2m expansion of the cold pallet store at its Redditch site.

The company, which delivers for over 200 suppliers into the mults, as well as into the discount and convenience sector, is already adding an additional 15,000 sq ft chilled space to cope with Christmas demand.

It will now be able to expand its cold storage capacity by 2,000 pallets in the first quarter of next year. Looking further ahead, Oakland said it planned to open 100,000 sq ft of additional ambient and chilled storage by February 2015 and to employ 120 to 150 more people over the next 18 months to support its discount and convenience focus.

“We have a clear focus to deliver strong organic growth with our existing clients and really focus on our customer service while keeping close to our retailers,” said MD Dean Attwell.

The new expansion follows a £2.6m investment in 50,000 sq ft of additional ambient and chilled space over the past two years. Oakland has also added five new packing lines to support its Christmas party food tempering and coding.

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