The Range

The Range sells more than 65,000 quality products across 16 departments including DIY, Homewares, Furniture, Lighting, Arts & Crafts and Garden.

The company turns over in excess of £300m, currently with 70 stores and they are due to make further expansions in 2013 with a further 20 stores planned.

Due to expansions in the North of England, the existing distribution arrangements in the South meant the business was facing increased costs in relation to the transport of goods as well as other resource and environmental considerations associated with increased drive times. These pressures resulted in the decision to open a new distribution centre in the north to facilitate the growth of the business.

Alex Simpkin, Supply Chain Director, The Range said:

‘Doncaster was the perfect location in terms of our computer modelling and centre of gravity for the Business. It has excellent motorway links and the workforce is very flexible and relevant for our sector.

Also, the assistance Business Doncaster has been a key consideration in locating in the area. They have been so proactive and helpful in helping us settle in Doncaster and establish links with the local business community.

‘Business Doncaster has been extremely helpful. Prior to our occupation on the site, they were in touch, giving us good local contacts and assistance, and providing various training facilities. Even though we’re now on site and we’re reasonably well established here, they’ve continued to offer support and advice and broker in partners as needed.

‘We have plans to continue that expansion well over the next 12 months and we now have a workforce that is very flexible and realistic about shift patterns. I’d say that locating in Doncaster has been a real bonus for our business.’