A rapidly growing start-up that makes fresh dog food is planning to relocate to a new factory in central England with space for 500 workers
Dogmates – which trades as Butternut Box – has taken a 150,000 sq ft manufacturing and distribution unit at Symmetry Park on the North Nottinghamshire/South Yorkshire border.
Launched just four years ago, Butternut Box makes dog food with fresh ingredients, which pet owners can custom order online for direct delivery to their door.
READ MORE: {}
In the past year it has received more than £20 million in investment as it builds on growth in the pet supplies sector.
The London business was set up in 2016 by friends and former Goldman Sachs bankers Kevin Glynn and David Nolan.
They were spurred on by a healthy diet prepared for Nolan’s dogs, a Staffie and a Shih Tzu, after they developed health issues.
The business currently operates from two smaller sites and is moving to Symmetry Park, just off Junction 34 of the A1 (M), at Doncaster because of its central location.
It has taken the unit, built speculatively, on a 15 year lease.
Most Read
David Nolan said: “We are incredibly proud and excited to be making this investment in the long-term future of our company.
“This move represents a huge investment in our operational capabilities for the future, as well as signalling our ambition to become an employer of choice in the area.
“We are delighted to be working with Tritax Symmetry and Bassetlaw District Council as long term partners, enabling us to better serve our customers, and their dogs, for many years to come.”
Symmetry Park developers Tritax Symmetry have planning consent to deliver up to 721,000 sq ft of logistics space on the 54-acre site.
Freddie Oakey, associate development director at the developer, said: “We are pleased to secure such a high-calibre operator for our first speculative unit at Symmetry Park.
“Butternut Box clearly has excellent growth potential for the future and for the brand to select this site for its central manufacturing and distribution hub is testament to the location and excellent facilities that the park offers.”
As well as manufacturing and storage space, the unit has offices and parking with room to add up to 250,000 sq ft of further floorspace as the operation grows.
Don’t miss
Butternut Box expects to commence its fit-out immediately and become operational by March 2021.
Coun Jo White, cabinet member for regeneration at Bassetlaw District Council said: “This is a real vote of confidence in Bassetlaw as a place to do business.
“We are delighted that Butternut Box, a vibrant, innovative and growing company have chosen to invest in North Notts, bringing brand new jobs to the area.
“We know that their ethos is to make strong links with the community and I am really excited about the opportunities for local residents that this investment will bring.”