A NATIONAL fruit and vegetable supplier is to create 15 jobs in the region after announcing plans to expand into Yorkshire.

Reynolds Catering Supplies has secured a new depot at By-Pass Park Estate in Sherburn-in-Elmet.

Following a “phenomenal” rate of growth in Yorkshire, Reynolds has taken the 5,000 sq ft warehouse unit on a five-year lease.

Grant Jardine, Reynolds’ head of regional depots, said: “We opened our first regional depot in Stockport 12 years ago, which serviced the Manchester and Midland areas.

“Over the years, business growth in the Yorkshire and North East Region has been phenomenal.

“In order to support sustained growth and maintain our high levels of service to existing customers, Reynolds decided in autumn 2013 to open a further depot in the north of England.

“Initially, the depot located in Sherburn-in Elmet is expected to operate up to ten 7.5 tonnes vehicles, which will create new and exciting job opportunities for up to 15 people. These important roles will include multi-drop driving and administrative duties.”

The arrival of Reynolds, following a deal secured by DTZ, sees two national company relocating to By-Pass Park in quick succession following Pullman Fleet Services, a subsidiary of Wincanton Logistics, which took 8,000 sq ft in November last year.

By-Pass Park Estate is owned and managed by G W Sissons & Son Ltd and is one of the largest single-owned industrial estates in North Yorkshire.

Paul Mack, head of the Yorkshire Industrial and Logistics team at DTZ, said: “To land two national companies so early on in the marketing campaign is a fantastic result. We are also in discussions with several other companies and hope to announce further lettings in the very near future.”