Tritax Symmetry, the dedicated logistics development company of Tritax Big Box, has agreed a major deal to let its speculatively built 151,388 sq ft industrial unit at Symmetry Park, Doncaster.
Dogmates Ltd trading as Butternut Box has secured a 15-year lease on the unit. The fast-growing brand intends to invest significantly into its fit out for the building and will employ up to 500 people when the site is fully operational.
Established four years ago, Butternut Box makes high quality dog food with fresh ingredients, which customers can custom order online for direct delivery to their door. It has enjoyed critical acclaim and is identified as a brand for strong growth potential. Over last 12 months alone it has received over £20 million from investors recognising that it is well placed to benefit from strong consumer trends among pet owners.
Butternut Box currently operates two separate sites for manufacturing and fulfilment but Symmetry Park Doncaster will facilitate a move to an end-to-end, in-house operation. The central location, just off Junction 34 of the A1 (M) is also critical for its distribution around the UK.
Located on the North Nottinghamshire/South Yorkshire border, Symmetry Park is a distribution and industrial scheme being delivered by Tritax Symmetry which benefits from planning consent to deliver up to 721,000 sq ft of logistics space on the 54-acre regionally significant site.
Freddie Oakey, associate development director at Tritax Symmetry, said, “We are pleased to secure such a high-calibre operator for our first speculative unit at Symmetry Park, Doncaster. Butternut Box clearly has excellent growth potential for the future and for the brand to select this site for its central manufacturing and distribution hub is testament to the location and excellent facilities that the park offers.”
The unit provides ancillary offices and generous parking for Butternut Box and also offers flexibility to facilitate expansion of up to 250,000 sq ft as the operation grows further. Full site infrastructure is in place alongside excellent on-site amenities from Starbucks and KFC. Butternut Box expects to commence its fitout immediately and become operational by March 2021.
David Nolan at Butternut Box continued: “We are incredibly proud and excited to be making this investment in the long-term future of our company. This move represents a huge investment in our operational capabilities for the future, as well as signalling our ambition to become an employer of choice in the area. We are delighted to be working with Tritax Symmetry & Bassetlaw District Council as long term partners, enabling us to better serve our customers, and their dogs, for many years to come.”
Cllr Jo White, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Bassetlaw District Council said: “This is a real vote of confidence in Bassetlaw as a place to do business. We are delighted that Butternut Box, a vibrant, innovative and growing company have chosen to invest in North Notts, bringing brand new jobs to the area. We know that their ethos is to make strong links with the community, and I am really excited about the opportunities for local residents that this investment will bring.”