A sustainability-focused logistics firm is set for growth following its transition to carbon neutral headquarters, coinciding with its 50th anniversary.
The organisation has relocated from St Helens to a 135,000-square-foot warehouse and office building in Warrington. The new headquarters, situated on Europa Boulevard, boasts an ‘excellent’ BREEAM rating for its environmentally-friendly features. The site, named Solar 120, is fully equipped with solar panels, LED lighting, heat pumps, and new electric forklift trucks, enabling the company to offer carbon neutral warehousing solutions to its clients. As businesses increasingly aim to decarbonise their supply chains, this move is timely and forward-thinking.
The building, formerly a BT call centre, was acquired in 2022 by CBRE Investment Management and transformed into a modern warehouse. It earned the title of ‘building of the year’ at the National Sustainability Awards in 2023. The Group, founded by John Philips in 1974, employs 80 staff and operates a fleet of 35 trucks and 32 trailers. Although it remains family-owned, the day-to-day operations are managed by Alan Simpson, who joined the company in 2019. John’s daughter, Karrie Hughes, serves as the commercial director. The firm’s expertise lies in the storage and distribution of goods such as paint and specialist liquids for various sectors, including pharmaceuticals and healthcare. All drivers are ADR-trained to transport specialised freight.
John Philips noted, “We have made a significant investment in our new headquarters and warehouse to provide additional storage capacity in line with our growth plans. We’ve been expanding steadily year-on-year by 15 per cent, and our aim is to continue at this rate. Our new location, close to the motorway network, is ideal for growing our customer base. Solar 120, being carbon neutral, allows us to power our warehouse, offices, and new forklift trucks with solar-generated electricity. Sustainability is a priority for our business, and our relocation to Solar 120 enables us to make substantial progress in this area. More investment in electric vehicles is planned, enhancing our capability to decarbonise our customers’ supply chains. Alongside this, we continue to invest in our people and technology to drive efficiency and productivity. It’s an exciting time for the business as we celebrate our 50th anniversary.”
The firm is a member of the Palletforce express distribution network, allowing it to offer cost-effective and sustainable overnight freight delivery across the UK and into Europe. The new headquarters not only underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability but also positions it for future growth.
As the company marks its 50th anniversary, its move to a carbon neutral headquarters symbolises a significant step forward in both sustainability and growth. With ongoing investments in technology, electric vehicles, and personnel, the firm is well-positioned to continue its expansion while contributing positively to environmental goals.