SLS Launches New Fairham Facility: Now Officially Open

Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) has recently inaugurated its new National Distribution Centre (NDC) at the Fairham Business Park in Nottingham, marking the beginning of its next phase of growth. The Fairham site enables SLS to process 2,500 orders per day, a capacity three times greater than its previous capability. The new facility was showcased at the Scientific Laboratory Show and Conference 2024 in May to some of the most prominent figures in the scientific community, including over 1,400 delegates and exhibitors.

This strategic move follows a period of sustained growth, during which SLS has emerged as the leading independent laboratory equipment distributor in the UK and Ireland. The NDC boasts a 40,000 cubic meter floor area, which is more than 2.5 times the size of the previous Wilford facility located just three miles away. This expansion is set to benefit customers directly by significantly enhancing SLS’s capacity to meet service demands and further improve its renowned customer service practices.

“The Wilford facility served us well, but we have outgrown that space, both in number and ambition,” explained Bruce Mowbray, Operations Director. “This move allows for substantial increases in storage and processing space for the 600,000 products in our portfolio, featuring integrated, automated warehouse management systems and state-of-the-art conveyor belt logistics systems.”

The new NDC is designed to ensure quicker deliveries for customers, thereby accelerating the pace at which UK laboratories can conduct cutting-edge research and elite production.

“Our input into the design of the Fairham facility has allowed SLS to implement multiple aspects of our core company ethos,” stated Ian Roulstone, Managing Director. “To foster creativity among our teams, we have included discussion pods and collaboration areas in our office spaces.”

Sustainability has been a priority in the construction of the NDC, which has been built to achieve an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating. The facility includes photovoltaic solar panels capable of producing up to 300MWh of energy annually. Additionally, eco-friendly staff transport options are provided, with 12 EV charging points, a bike shelter, and a tram stop with connections to Nottingham just a few minutes away. SLS's Sustainability Manager Lucy Moore emphasised the necessity of the relocation, stating, "We definitely outgrew our previous distribution facility. The new site in Fairham has been built to our exact requirements, with a keen focus on sustainability, even down to draft sensors on radiators."

The new distribution centre for SLS operates entirely on electricity and features rooftop solar panels expected to generate 300MW/h of renewable energy annually. By transitioning to this new site and eliminating the use of gas and much of its reliance on externally provided energy, SLS anticipates a 20% reduction in its operational emissions. Take a look at SLS’s dedication to sustainability here.

To ensure the modernity of the facility, SLS has invested in IT integration. The warehouse at the NDC employs automated picking and order packing systems. Enhanced order tracking capabilities will provide customers with improved visibility of their orders.

For more information on how SLS's Fairham site is advancing its capabilities, you can view the launch video here.