BITO boosts warehouse capacity to drive web sales

Edward Hutchison, MD of BITO UK said: "The company has grown more than 20% since 2014 and this year we've seen a profit uplift of greater than 40%. We have also increased staffing levels by 20% in the last six months, and this growth is powering our expansion."

The new building features impressive new offices, a much larger warehouse and a dedicated Experience Centre for customers.

The new warehouse boasts three times more pallet space as the previous facility, and as well as racking features a pallet live pick tunnel, shelving, cantilever racking and small parts storage. The warehouse is designed to help BITO provide a much more comprehensive range from the UK, and deliver goods ordered on its UK website much faster.

The firm also provides a Fast Track catalogue to market its most popular products to the UK market.

As well as a strong direct sales business, BITO provides turnkey storage solutions on a project basis.

BITO celebrated the opening of the new facility with a grand get-together at the site on April 13. The night was a double celebration as BITO owner Mr Bittmann, attending from Germany, enjoyed his 80th birthday.

Speaking at the opening event, BITO Group MD Winfried Schmuck said: “What Edward and his team have created is fantastic and reflects BITO’s philosophy. BITO is 171 years old now and several generations of Bittmanns have created this company – always with honest, long-term thinking that is valid for customers and employees. BITO Group has reached a 200m Euro turnover and 220m Euro order entry through solid, profitable growth. We strongly believe in our people and core values of quality, service and long-term partnership. We created the UK subsidiary in 1999.  In January 2001, Edward arrived and created a completely new company with a very solid business model – including the ability to order though a catalogue or online, delivering to all sectors operating logistics in the UK. Edward has created a fantastic ‘family’ here in terms of the team, who together have increased BITO UK turnover 10 fold in 15 years. I am looking forward to seeing this success story continue.“

Lord Digby Jones gave an after dinner speech at the event.

Lord Jones said: "World class products, quality inward investment by a quality business into the World's most successful economy, a Happy Big Birthday to the company's owner – what a fabulous opportunity to celebrate so much that is good at a time when good news is in short supply. It is a privilege to be asked to participate in these celebrations and the company being longstanding major supporters of Leicester Tigers had nothing to do with it – well perhaps just a little bit!"