Jutexpo expands into new Worcestershire HQ

Market-leading reusable bag supplier Jutexpo has expanded into new headquarters to help meet demand for its environmentally friendly and ethically-made products.

The company has moved to much larger premises at Lauriston Business and Technology Park, Salford Priors, Worcestershire.

Sam Turner, Director at Jutexpo, said that the expansion offered a wide range of benefits, increasing the company’s total UK storage space to 26,000sq ft.

That comprises 14,000sq ft at its new base to support the company’s fast-moving goods, adding to the 12,000sq ft it has at its facility close to Felixstowe, which services core lines.

In addition, the move allows for the ability to more closely monitor deliveries and improved logistics due to a central location and better transport links. There is also space to further expand warehousing and office space to meet future demand.

Sam added: “We had been at our previous location for around 10 years and it became increasing obvious that we need to move in order to maintain the quality of service which our customers expect and also to respond to increasing demand for our products.”

“The new head office gives us better visibility of stock and ins and out and truly represents the scale of the business to both staff and customers.”

This new centrally located warehouse and distribution depot enhances the company’s  ability to service their nationwide customer base.

This move was partially funded by HSBC UK as part of a wider £400,000 EFG (Enterprise Finance Guarantee) loan to also support a product development programme and wider business growth.

David Ramsden, HSBC UK Area Director for Corporate Banking in the North and South Midlands, said: “HSBC UK is committed to helping British businesses realise their ambitions and we’re thrilled to be able to support Jutexpo in their move to new offices and take the lead on reducing the impact of plastic bottle waste in the UK.”

Jutexpo is the world’s leading eco-friendly reusable bag company, with more than 80 per cent of the UK market supplying retailers including ALDI, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose, and other high profile customers such as National Trust and the Royal British Legion.

It is operated by father and son Barrie and Sam Turner together with Robbie McGregor, and was founded in 2002 after they spotted a gap in the market for reusable bags made out of jute to minimise plastic bag usage.

As well as jute, Jutexpo’s range also includes reusable bags made entirely from recycled plastic bottles using in a process which turns the plastic into a durable and practical fabric called rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate), which carries the certification of the Global Recycled Standard.

It also supplies bags made from juco, an increasingly popular finer weave option which is made up of a blend of 75% jute and 25% cotton.

Jutexpo have been working closely with HSBC UK for many years who provide a broad range of financial products totalling £5million.