Skinners expansion

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Steve Skinner

In the wake of another record year’s trading, Skinners Brewery has expanded again with the acquisition of a further 10,000 square feet of storage and distribution space adjacent to its headquarters at Newham, Truro.

The company has taken over the premises previously occupied by Truro Farm Machinery, which has moved to Mitchell.

As a result, Skinners is no longer operating its ‘satellite’ locations at Chacewater and Devoran, and the move means a net increase of 50% in storage capacity.

“We were bursting at the seams at Newham, and the development has not only streamlined our operation but also doubled our storage capacity here,” said brewery chief executive Steve Skinner.

“It will be particularly useful in helping us handle our increased bottle sales, which have been boosted by the big success of our national sales through Waitrose.”

The Waitrose deal, now involving Skinners’ Betty Stogs, Cornish Knocker and Heligan ales, began in early 2009 and was quickly upgraded to full listing at all the superstore’s 260 UK stores.

It contributed to an anticipated turnover increase of around 12% for Skinners in 2010. The company has achieved consistent sales growth since launching in 1997, aided latterly by a 20% increase in production capacity with new equipment installed three years ago.

The company currently employs 30 people and Skinner anticipated that he may need to recruit again later this year.

The brewery has invested £50k in adapting its newly-acquired facility for its own needs, including the installation of chilled areas to store ales at the correct temperatures.

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