Russell WBHO has started work on a £12 million industrial build for pharmaceutical wholesaler and distributor Mawdsleys.

The extension project will double the size of the firm's existing temperature controlled storage and distribution facility at Redhouse in Doncaster.

The 152,000 sq ft portal frame warehouse unit will comprise a 146,238 sq ft temperature controlled chamber, with 12 loading docks to 12.5m to eaves, internal racking with in-rack sprinkler system, and a 4,542 sq ft office space. Russell WBHO will also complete a new external service yard and rear access road at the site off Rockingham Way.

Russell WBHO is responsible for the full construction and fit-out of the building and storage chamber, which will operate at a controlled internal temperature to store supplies to the exacting standards of the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA).


Mechanical and electrical specialists Heatworks is to design and install a state-of-the-art, energy efficient heating, cooling and ventilation system to support two operating systems across the different parts of the building, to maximise employee comfort and energy saving methods while also ensuring strict regulatory compliance.

The project's professional team also includes project managers Beaumont Lord, architect AEW, structural engineer Booth King, services consultant ESC, health and safety specialists Pure Safety Solutions and environmental consultancy E3P.

The Manchester-based main contractor was selected for the build by Mawdsleys following a four-way competitive tender. The win was based on value, expertise, and a strong track record in the temperature controlled sector which has seen the delivery of more than 1 million sq ft of cold stores over the last two decades.

Jonathan Rhodes, Russell WBHO project director, said: "We have commenced work on a major turnkey project for a new client Mawdsleys in Doncaster, a scheme which will double their storage and distribution capacity at the site.

"As temperature controlled construction specialists, with more than 20 years' experience in the sector, we can offer our clients a collaborative approach to best value, and combine the expertise of longstanding partners and suppliers to deliver a state-of-the-art facility to support their future growth plans."

The 10 month project, which is set to be complete by the end of Summer 2023, will double storage and distribution capacity at the Redhouse site to over 48,000 pallets for Mawdsleys' 3PL division, MPW.