Pet products supplier planning new life in Telford as expansion continues

Rosewood Pet Products will bring down the curtain on almost four decades based in Broseley when it moves into its new home at Hortonwood West in Telford.

The move will see the company consolidate its three current distribution and operational locations, including its head office in Broseley, to one centralised site on the outskirts of Telford.

Rosewood has entered into a 15-year lease for the 72,000 sq ft warehouse and office building developed by Telford and Wrekin Council, which is being built by contractors Morris Properties.

Co-owner and marketing director Bev Panter said: “This is a huge step change for our business and underpins our long term strategic growth plans.

"Being able to utilise modern warehouse technology will significantly improve efficiency for our customer despatches and our storage capabilities will mean we can continue to grow without putting the business under undue stress.

“Since expanding our offer into the treats market in 2015, the business has continued to grow at pace, which is testament to the hard work of our staff and the vision of our senior management team.

"We will be sad to say goodbye to our Broseley warehouse and office, as we have been there for 37 years, however the opportunity to relocate was too good to pass on as we have been limited by the lack of space for some time now. Our new home will provide a fantastic working environment for everyone with great employee amenities and adequate space for us to grow into in the years to come.”

The site is expected to be ready for Rosewood to move in by October. At first the company will employ 66 people at the site, most of which will transfer from its existing operations.

Rosewood, which designs, sources, makes and distributes treats and accessories for pets, has been in business for more than 50 years and will continue to develop the products – such as toys and dog coats – it sells.

Recently Rosewood have started to develop treat ranges for dogs, cats and small animals and this area of the business is showing significant growth. With increased investment in this area there is now a need to increase space.

The company had outgrown its facilities, leading to some operational difficulties. The new centre will enable it to grow its product portfolio, increase availability and cut lead-times.

In the last 10 years Rosewood has opened offices in the USA and China, and now exports to more than 60 countries, although the UK remains its key market.

Legal firm, Shakespeares Martineau advised Rosewood on the deal and architects ETC assisted in the design of the building.

Katherine Kynaston, assistant director at Telford & Wrekin Council, and ambassador for inward investment service Enterprise Telford added: “Our intention as a local authority is to empower organisations to reach their economic potential and it’s great to see Rosewood Pet Products secure the use of a facility that will allow it to expand operations and support future growth.

“Our Land Deal programme, as well as the business support we’re able to offer through Enterprise Telford allows us to ready sites depending on the tailored needs of individual businesses, which is a very unique offer."