A family-owned logistics firm celebrating its 50th anniversary this year has relocated to a new carbon-neutral headquarters in Warrington.
John K Philips Group, founded in 1974 by John Philips after purchasing a truck to deliver paint, now specialises in the storage and UK distribution of paint and specialist liquids for sectors including pharmaceuticals and healthcare. The firm employs 80 staff and operates a fleet of 35 trucks and 32 trailers. The company has transitioned from St Helens to a 135,000 sq ft warehouse and office building known as Solar 120, located on Europa Boulevard, Warrington.
The site, previously a call centre acquired by CBRE Investment Management in 2022, was transformed into a modern warehouse that earned the ‘Building of the Year’ accolade at the National Sustainability Awards in 2023. It has achieved an ‘excellent’ BREEAM rating, featuring solar panels, LED lighting, and heat pumps.
As a member of the Palletforce express distribution network, John K Philips Group has also introduced electric forklift trucks to their operations, ensuring carbon neutral warehousing for its environmentally-conscious clients. The company’s operations are overseen by Managing Director Alan Simpson, who joined in 2019, while John’s daughter, Karrie Hughes, holds the role of Commercial Director.
Reflecting on the investment, Founder John Philips stated, “We have made a significant investment in our new headquarters and warehouse to give us additional storage capacity in line with our plans for future growth. We’ve been growing steadily year-on-year by 15%, and our aim is to continue to expand at this rate. Our new location is close to the motorway network and is an ideal location from which to grow our customer base. Solar 120 is carbon neutral, with the electricity generated from solar panels powering our warehouse, offices, and new forklift trucks.”
Sustainability is a priority for the business, and the relocation to Solar 120 marks significant progress in this area. Further investments in electric vehicles are planned, enhancing the capability to decarbonise customer supply chains. Alongside these advancements, the company continues to invest in its workforce and in technology to drive efficiency and productivity. It is an exciting time for the business as it commemorates its 50th anniversary.
The John K Philips Group’s move to a carbon-neutral headquarters represents a significant milestone in its history, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and future growth.