The wholesale food distributor 3663 has announced the second stage of a multi-million-pound infrastructure investment – which will see it open three new sites in Chepstow, Hoddesdon and Bicester.

It follows the completion of a new 121,000sq ft multi-temperature depot in Wakefield which has just opened.

The company said the investment is the second phase of an ongoing process and includes bringing on stream four new depots, as well as updating the company’s nationwide infrastructure, multi-temperature vehicle fleet and IT systems.

Alex Fisher, managing director of 3663, said: “This investment is part of our strategy for growth based on continual improvement in customer service and the creation of a local and national depot network that is fit for the future.”

He added: “This announcement comes on top of £40m-worth of recent new account wins and additional category supply agreements with major regional and national customers, including Subway, TGI, Rank Group and David Lloyd Leisure. We have also seen significant additional growth from the independent sector.

“These customers’ choice of 3663 as their business partner is a vote of confidence in staff, service and product range as well as in our investment plan and organic growth strategy.”

The first phase of the company’s investment roll-out began in 2012, with extended service coverage following the acquisition of Scotland’s Forteith Foodservice in July and South Lincs Foodservice in October. During the same period, 3663 also increased freezer capacity across its network by upgrading a number of existing depot facilities.  

Fisher added: “In terms of our new facilities, over the next nine months we have four new depots coming on stream which will improve our local depot network and give us significantly greater capacity to support the customer growth we are experiencing. 

“We remain committed to operating from depots close to our customers, as we believe this is key to ensuring the best service levels and flexibility while reducing food miles and supporting the local communities in which we operate.”

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