A third-party logistics warehouse, expanded by Russell WBHO for Mawdsleys, has been officially opened by Rt Hon Ed Miliband, Labour MP for Doncaster North and Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The 152,000 sq ft extension has seen the Redhouse distribution hub in Doncaster nearly double in size to 300,000 sq ft and benefit from a range of environmental improvements. A total of 3,375 individual photovoltaic (PV) panels have been installed on the roof, wired to a 39-tonne battery providing 2,600kWh of storage – one of the largest systems of its kind in the UK. The aim is to provide two-thirds (65-68%) of the site’s annual electricity needs.
Manchester-based construction company Russell WBHO, one of the UK’s leading contractors in the temperature-controlled sector, was responsible for the full construction and fit-out of the extension. The project has doubled the storage and distribution capacity at the site to more than 48,000 pallets. The portal frame warehouse unit comprises a 146,238 sq ft temperature-controlled storage chamber with 12 loading docks, internal racking with an in-rack sprinkler system, and a 4,542 sq ft office space.
Russell WBHO delivered the solar array through the Sol PV Group and Wattstor (through Mawdsleys) for the DC Cubicles, battery storage container, and the associated operating system; including the Wattstor Podium Advanced Energy Monitoring System.
Not only does the building now generate its own power, but maximises energy saving opportunities. Russell WBHO worked with mechanical and electrical specialists Heatworks to design and install an energy efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation system.
Ed Miliband, Labour MP for Doncaster North and Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, said: “I am pleased to be opening Mawdsleys’ expanded facility which will mean the creation of more jobs and environmental improvements, including the installation of solar panels. It is important that companies show leadership in creating jobs for local people and be responsible stewards of our environment.”
William Sanders, Group CEO at Mawdsleys, added: “We are delighted to unveil our expanded pharmaceutical third-party logistics facility at Redhouse. It was clear that we urgently needed additional space to support our clients, as they service the NHS and UK pharmaceutical sector. As an industry leader – the largest independent supplier of medicinal products to the NHS – it is also important we continue to lead from the front on environmental matters. We are immensely grateful to the Rt Hon Ed Miliband, whose participation at the opening ceremony signifies Mawdsleys’ close relationship with the local community and our commitment to Doncaster.
“Russell WBHO have been able to add significant value to the project and provide us with the opportunity to reduce our own carbon output. We are grateful for their commitment to the project, the improvements they brought to the table, and their determination to drive the sustainability agenda throughout their project delivery.”
Jonathan Rhodes, Russell WBHO project director, commented: “Technological advancements make renewables and battery storage a viable option and can create new opportunities for clients to reduce their energy use and carbon emissions. The increase in electric vehicle use within the logistics sector, coupled with energy price increases and grid constraint issues, further increases viability. We worked closely with our client and specialist suppliers to bring together this solution and we are pleased to add value to the project.”
The project’s professional team also included project managers Beaumont Lord, architect AEW, structural engineer Booth King, Services Consultant ESC, health and safety specialists Pure Safety Solutions and environmental consultancy E3P.
