Barnfield begins New Smithfield Market project

Work is under way on a 42,5000 sq ft chilled storage facility for Manchester fruit and vegetable importer and wholesaler Barton & Redman, delivered by the Lancastrian contractor.

Located in the heart of east Manchester’s New Smithfield Market, the new development comprises of a 42,500 sq ft warehouse including temperature-controlled chambers and office facilities, complete with external service yards.

Tim Webber, chairman and managing director of Barnfield Construction said: “Work is progressing well on the new Barton & Redman site and we are delighted to be a part of delivering a high-specification and energy efficient unit which will be fundamental in Barton & Redman’s growth plans.”

Established in 1964, Barton & Redman is among the UK’s largest wholesalers of fresh fruits and veg, with a fleet of vehicles now opersating. The company is also growing exponentially in its import operations, bringing produce from all over the world by road, sea, and air daily.

Matthew Barton, co-owner, and sales director of Barton & Redman, said: “We have been developing new product lines, including all types of fruits, vegetables, salads, exotics, world foods, and eggs. We reach more than 2,000 different items and explore worldwide markets – such as the Asian produce trade – and the business has grown into a dynamic enterprise.”

The main factor restricting further growth, he said, has been lack of space – until now. He said: “Barton  Redman is constantly growing, and the only limit it finds in its expansion is the lack of space in the current facilities. For this reason, the construction of the new warehouse will make a big difference in the volume of purchases, sales, and distribution.”

The firm’s facilities to date comprise a 25,000 sq ft warehouse located on east of the market, in front of which the new 42,500 sq ft unit will be built.