Swindon-based Oak Furniture Land, the UK’s largest retailer of solid hardwood furniture, is predicting further growth after signing a deal to move into a 302,000 sq ft distribution warehouse at South Marston.
The firm currently operates from four bases in Swindon but the move to the new site – DC2 on South Marston Park – will enable the ambitious retailer to store and distribute its products under one roof and have all its 200-plus Swindon staff together.
Oak Furniture Land has taken the whole of DC2, owned by IM Properties, on a 15 year lease. The fast-growing firm was also attracted by the building’s expansion opportunities – where up to 150,000 sq ft of expansion space can be developed, subject to planning.
Oak Furniture Land property director Steve Kettel said: “The DC2 unit will provide us with the opportunity to streamline our storage and distribution processes, bringing the majority of our operations under one roof and allowing us to service our customers more effectively.
“Swindon is a great location for Oak Furniture Land, and the size of the unit, together with the possibility for future expansion, enables us to look forward with a clear strategy over the coming years.”
IM properties asset manager Rob Hemus added: “We are very pleased to welcome OFL to DC2 and to complete one of the biggest deals in the distribution market this year. We are also looking forward to developing a strong relationship with OFL, including the opportunity to potentially expand the unit in the future to support their targeted growth plans.”
South Marston Park is home to a number of national and international companies including Honda, Aldi, M&S, B&Q, TDG and Nissin.
“IM Properties purchased this building in 2007 as we were confident of its letting prospects. To secure Oak Furniture Land within six months of Morrisons’ departure pays testament to its quality and location.”
Cushman & Wakefield and Jones Lang LaSalle were the joint letting agents acting on behalf of IM Properties. The deal was completed within just three weeks of the terms being agreed.
Gordon Reynolds of Cushman & Wakefield added: “We are very pleased to have completed this deal in such a quick timeframe following a minimal marketing period.
“There is a shortage of good quality distribution units across the UK and DC2, with its 75m yard was one of the best in the country. The speed of this letting clearly demonstrates the strong levels of demand for quality standing product in key locations.”
OFL sells large volumes of high quality oak, mango and mahogany furniture at reduced prices, both online and from a portfolio of over 30 stores nationwide. In 2010 and 2011 it was listed in The Sunday Times Fast Track 100; a prestigious league table of the fastest growing companies in the UK.
