Wrights Pies has opened its new £1m state-of-the-art central distribution warehouse at its bakery in Crewe.

The firm said the investment will further improve logistics operations and is designed to support the company’s expansion plans across its three main operating divisions – bakery, retail and quality foods.

The new 20,000 sq ft development features a fully computerised stock control system and the latest warehouse handling equipment, which is controlled by magnetic guidance sensors for the safe operation of forklift handling equipment, said the firm.

The dry goods warehouse will serve more than 200 food suppliers to the business and will handle in the region of 400 tonnes of raw materials each week, used to produce its range of pies, savouries, confectionery and ready meals.

“The opening of the new warehouse is our latest investment, which will not only keep us at the forefront of the food industry, but facilitate future growth in the business,” commented Peter Wright, chairman and chief executive of Wrights.

The firm has also invested around £70,000 in a man-up forklift truck, which operates on magnetic wire guidance sensors fitted to the truck and embedded within the aisle floors.

>>Wright’s revamp sees sales boosted by 20%