Kerakoll UK and Barnfield Construction sign contract to build new Preston plant

Barnfield Construction has announced it will build the major new warehouse and production facility for Kerakoll UK Ltd.

This landmark project will see the construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution centre, including a three-storey office building, SHS/Utilities office, and extensive external works, drainage, and services installations.

The new facility represents a significant investment in the region and will support Kerakoll’s continued expansion across the UK and Northern Europe.

The project will include a 7,314sqm bespoke warehouse with bay storage on the 2.55ha site with 1.64ha of expansion land at APTUS in Preston.

The investment value in the project is over £20m and work started on the site on June 16 with sectional completions in September and November 2026; further production tower phases to follow in 2026/2027.

Kerakoll’s new facility will consolidate and expand its UK operations, currently based in Leyland and Chorley, enabling the company to better serve the market.

The development will also act as a catalyst for local economic growth, with the wider APTUS scheme having the potential to create up to 1,500 jobs in Lancashire.

Tim Webber, chairman and managing director of the Barnfield Group, said:  “As we approach our 50th year in business it is fantastic to have been awarded such a prestigious contract. 

"My team and Kerakoll’s team have been working collaboratively over the past 2 years to get to an agreed position. 

"We look forward to getting started and working with Kerakoll to provide high-quality, sustainable premises to facilitate their growth plans.” 

Carl Gardner, managing director of Kerakoll UK, added: “This development is a crucial component of our growth strategy and will significantly enhance our presence in the UK.

"We look forward to collaborating with Barnfield as construction begins. 

"The facility will allow us to expand within international markets and will create 20 jobs when the plant opens and a total of 50 when at full capacity, which is great news for the borough.”

The development at APTUS is a Joint Venture between Barnfield Construction and HBD and provides 36 acres of commercial development land.  The facility for Kerakoll will anchor the scheme and will be a catalyst for the development.  

Barnfield Group are contractors, developers and investors working with public and private sector partners and clients for almost 50 years. Headquartered in Lancashire, the £80m turnover property group is delivering a diverse range of schemes on more than 30 live sites nationwide.

The organisation is a market leader in its field, with an excellent track record in every sector of the industry.   

Kerakoll Group is a multinational company working in the construction industry, offering an integrated range of products and services for building better places to live, with a turnover of 713 million euros in 2024.

The group has a direct presence in 12 countries and operates 25 production plants.

Kerakoll is a Benefit Corporation and holds B Corp certification.