Nationwide Produce secures £3.5m loan to expand business

The loan, provided by Lloyds Bank, has been used to increase the space of its warehouse in Evesham by 75% from 32,000 sq ft to 56,000 sq ft. The expansion also saw the business’ pallet capacity rise from 900 to 2100, allowing for more stock to be stored.

Nationwide has also made step towards net zero by investing in renewable power and switching to more environmentally friendly technology.

The funding was used to invest in five temperature-controlled chambers that offer an 84% reduction in global warming potential. These chambers can achieve the same cooling effect as previous chambers while emitting fewer greenhouse gases. 

New technology has also been used to improve cooling performance and increase energy efficiency in the business by up to 15%, while allowing the company to store produce at optimal temperature.

Solar panels

Solar panels were also installed at the warehouse, growing its total renewable electricity offering by up to two thirds and bringing capacity up to 500kW across the company’s facilities. 

Steps have also been taken to minimise waste that ends up in landfill through the implementation of a streamlined waste management process that utilises anaerobic digestion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and removing landfill costs.

Further to this, the company has partnered with surplus food charity FareShare, redistributing more than 500,000 meals to 3,825 charities across the UK – a total of 217 tonnes of surplus food. 

Tim O’Malley, group managing director at Nationwide Produce, said: “The new warehouse space will be vital in helping maximise this opportunity for growth by helping us work more efficiently, improve and expand our product line, and ultimately, provide our customers with an even better service. ​

Renewable energy

“We’re also committed to driving decarbonisation within the company and are proud to say 100% of the power needed to run our UK depots and offices is being produced from renewable energy sources, including our recently installed solar panels.”  ​

The business is now planning to expand its product range to include frozen foods, as well as investing in new packing machinery to enhance its offerings and further increase its appeal to its customers. 

John Csizmadia, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Nationwide Produce is a fantastic example of a business that puts innovation and its customers at the heart of everything is does.The new warehouse space will help the company to meet increased demand, while also expanding its offering and improving its sustainability efforts. ​

“We’re proud to be by the side of the business as it continues to grow and look forward to seeing the direction it takes for the future.” ​