Castell Howell opens 14,000 sq ft Merthyr Tydfil depot as part of expansion plan

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Food wholesaler Castell Howell has opened a new 14,000 sq ft depot in Merthyr Tydfil, completing a major warehouse refurbishment project that has been 12 months in development.

The new site forms part of the company’s latest expansion plan, aimed at strengthening its ability to service schools, hospitals and independent businesses along the M4 corridor.

The Merthyr Tydfil depot has a 3,000 pallet capacity and features five dock levellers, new refrigeration systems and racking, alongside 14 offices and a dedicated service yard.

Castell Howell Managing Director, Matt Lewis, said: “Our business plan has always encouraged steady, strategic growth and this latest development highlights our continuous investment in the areas that we service, by providing local employment and the ability to support our customers to even higher levels than ever before’’.

“The Merthyr depot is very important strategically as it offers us a solid base between our Headquarters in Cross Hands and depot in Avonmouth. It will bolster our warehouse and delivery capabilities which customers will benefit from greatly’’.

The project has been led by Luke Harris, Group Maintenance Manager, who said: “The Merthyr Cold Store project has been the operational focus for the past 12 months, with our group’s maintenance team working alongside local contractors in the area to bring our vision to fruition.

“Every project comes with its challenges, yet completion was delivered in good time, ready for our projected growth for 2026 to be firmly supported”.

The opening of the new depot has also been accompanied by the appointment of Gavin Harry as Depot Manager. Harry joined Castell Howell in 2009 and brings extensive operational experience to the role.

On his appointment, Harry said: “I’m relishing the challenges that being Depot Manager will bring.

“Leading a growing team, strengthening our delivery network and customer relationships is incredibly important – I’m excited to see what the future brings and extremely thankful to the board for trust and confidence they have shown in me.’’

The Merthyr Tydfil development follows further recent investment by Castell Howell at its Cross Hands headquarters, where a two-acre Vehicle Maintenance Building and truck parking facility was completed in September.

The project delivered a four-lane workshop and an additional 40 truck parking spaces, creating new employment and training opportunities for drivers and skilled trades including mechanics, electricians and fabricators.

The company has hinted at further expansion. Harris said: “All I can say is watch this space, we’re due to start one of our biggest projects to date in Spring 2026 – exciting times ahead!’’