Targets depot in Leeds, which has an outstanding record of growth and success, has relocated to a new warehouse with increased capacity. Building on the excellent growth levels it has already achieved, the depot has again moved to a larger, better equipped building, allowing room for further development of the customer base, and giving staff a more pleasant working environment. The size of the depot has increased significantly, from 32,000 to 55,000 square feet, representing a 3.5 million investment.
Since taking over the lease of the premises in Morley, Target has customised the building to meet the needs of their customers. Several areas of the existing warehouse have been opened out and meeting areas and offices have been completely redesigned.
Excellent transport links are maintained by the close proximity of the depot to the M62 in fact the depot has only moved a distance of half a mile, so the logistical implications are scant. Julie Town, the Depot General Manager explains:
The move is driven by growth and the need to maintain and build on our capacity for key customers in the area. We have an excellent level of customer retention and moving to a larger depot with better facilities will only strengthen our position.
Staff will also benefit considerably from the improved offices and rest areas. Julie continues:
Weve built up an award winning team here at Leeds and they will benefit on a day to day basis from the improved facilities at the new site. Keeping our staff happy can only benefit our customers in the long run.
The Leeds depot has an outstanding record within the company, having achieved best overall performance out of more than 50 depots across the UK three years in a row. Julie believes this is largely due to the amazing level of staff retention at the depot, which in turn results in the creation of lasting and successful relationships with customers. Having joined Target in a sales capacity, Julie has worked at the Leeds depot for over 17 years. Her expertise is backed up by a number of key staff members who have equally impressive service records. The depots Operations Manager, Night Shift Manager, Back Shift Manager and Sales Manager boast 49 years combined service between them.
Julie has recently achieved the personal accolade of being nominated to be a finalist in the 2004 Women In Transport Awards. Commenting on her success, she states:
None of this would be possible without the backing of such a great team here at the depot. I also believe that the culture of openness within the company as a whole is key to our success. Everyone is really approachable and we never allow hierarchies to get in the way of the smooth running of the business.
Within the depot there are currently 55 staff, as well as some 30 drivers and this figure could grow as the new depot offers increased capacity and potential for new business. Target Express has a network of over 50 wholly owned depots throughout the UK and Ireland and prides itself on premium quality service, with a caring and passionate approach to delivering individual customer solutions. The unique silver service philosophy means that calls are not processed via a call centre, but are answered by committed staff at the local depot, allowing the company to offer industry leading service standards to businesses across the UK & Ireland.
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