MADE in York - shopped in throughout Britain. The York-based off-site construction specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has been awarded its 50th contract for the UK's biggest supermarket retailer, Tesco.

Yorkon is now the sole "modular" supplier for Tesco's Express convenience stores.

Since forming the partnership in 2001, it has manufactured buildings at its production line in Huntington worth about £11 million for sites from Yorkshire to Dorset.

Yorkon's 50th construction project for Tesco is a new 3,000 sq ft stand alone store at Fazakerley, near Liverpool.

Developed on a brownfield site, the store will consist of nine 12-metre long steel-framed modules, and will feature full height glazing on two sides, a sloping white fascia canopy and glazed automatic sliding doors.

The modules will be craned into position complete with glazing, floor tiles, internal walls, freezer/chiller, checkouts, plumbing and toilets, pre-installed in the factory. This more innovative method of construction reduces the programme time for a typical Tesco Express store to just four weeks, from erection of the building to completion, while improving quality, cost control and safety on site.

Guy Digby, property services manager for Tesco Express, said: "Our aim is to deliver stores which meet the changing needs of our customers and to provide a pleasant working environment for our staff.

"To this end, Tesco formed a partnership with Yorkon three years ago, having explored the benefits of off-site construction, which with volume, is more cost-effective, guarantees quality and reduces build times to the benefit of our customers."

Keith Blanshard, pictured inset, director and general manager of Yorkon said: "We are delighted to be awarded our 50th order for Tesco.

"This partnership is the result of long-term commitment and a process of continuous improvement on the part of both organisations, ensuring Tesco and its customers receive the highest standards of quality, service and value."

Yorkon manufactures two store designs for Tesco Express - a stand alone option and a store for petrol forecourts. These are available in three store sizes - 2,000 sqft, 2,500 sqft and 3,000 sqft and two layout configurations to suit individual sites.

Yorkon has also completed a number of bespoke projects for Tesco, including a two-storey store with office accommodation above the retail area, pitched roof and brick cladding.

Updated: 11:06 Monday, April 04, 2005