Clothing recycling company takes 70,000 sq ft warehouse in Salford

SWD Clothing Exports has signed a six-year lease for space at Towngate Business Centre in Walkden.

SWD specialises in collecting and recycling clothing and shoes from around the world. It works with charities and schools to collect unwanted textiles. SWD is owned by Textile Recycling International.

The company has expanded massively since it first signed a lease in 2004 for 5,500 sq ft at Towngate. Over the years it took on three other 5,500 sq ft units.

“When we first moved into Unit 4F — measuring 5,500 sq ft — at the Towngate Business Centre in 2004, we collected 25,000 kg per week,” said David Woods, managing director of SWD. “Our success since then has been bolstered by the Towngate team’s assistance and commitment, and we are so grateful to them for helping us on our continued journey.”

The new unit is not only larger, but has four loading doors with a covered bay, parking, external yard space, a kitchen, and a canteen. According to Towngate, the new space will allow SWD to double its production capacity.

Regarding the former SWD units, Towngate is embarking on a £500,000 project to refurbish them – along with two other similarly-sized spaces. Each offers a rear yard and parking. Of the old SWD spots, three are already on offer.

Towngate Business Centre is located off Lester Road in Walkden. It is owned and managed by Towngate PLC, which also has industrial properties for rent in Leeds.