Contractor G F Tomlinson has completed the latest scheme for Ascott Transport Limited (ATL) at its Midlands Hub in Foston, Derbyshire, as part of a major eight figure investment project.

The development, which is the second project that G F Tomlinson has constructed for ATL includes a new 127,000 sq. ft warehouse with 14 loading bays, offices, welfare rooms and external concrete yards and roads.

The modern facility will enable ATL to meet increased demand from both new and existing clients as part of their strategic expansion plans.

The first phase of the development, which allowed the company to almost double its Midlands operating capacity, included a 190,000 sq. ft high-bay warehouse, three-storey gatehouse, high-spec offices, workshop, outside storage, and parking facilities.

The addition of the new warehouse not only expands ATL's operational capacity but also cements its position as a major logistics and storage hub in the Midlands.

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Technological innovations within the building included the warehouse’s internal floor, which was designed and constructed with no joints, to facilitate the smooth movement of semi and fully automated MHE throughout the warehouse.

The development also boasts a number of sustainable features including photovoltaic panels, which will generate enough solar power to sufficiently supply the warehouse’s energy requirements and their recent investment into electric trucks, along with 400mm thick walls and roof to create a thermally stable warehouse and increased insulation to the office areas. During the project, a pre-cast retaining wall was infilled on-site using surplus soil, reducing waste and transportation costs. An attenuation pond adjacent to the warehouse was also created to hold the site's surface water to prevent flooding.

During the project build, Konstantin Pata, an international student from Austria participated in a four-week internship with G F Tomlinson based at the Foston Park site. The collaboration, facilitated by 'The Dual Academy', provided Konstantin with valuable insights into UK construction methods through an enriching placement plan, while offering G F Tomlinson a unique opportunity to learn from Austrian construction practices.

Andy Sewards, Chairman of G F Tomlinson, said: "Building on our long-standing relationship with ATL, it's been a privilege to be part of the next phase of their growth plans. We're pleased to have reached this completion milestone, which reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality projects that contribute positively to the communities we serve."