Sainsburys Washington LFC completion
Simpson successfully completed our 8th LFC project for Sainsbury’s at Hillthorn Park, Washington, Sunderland and with another 2 LFC projects starting in the coming months it highlights our standing as the preferred choice contractor for this work stream with Sainsbury’s.
The “LFC’s” are Local Fulfilment Centres for Sainsburys, Argos operations. As many will know, Argos stores have predominantly now moved into Sainsburys supermarkets. As a result of this, the stock holding availability of these stores is reduced and a greater reliance on nearby distribution networks are needed.
We install vehicle to ground dock lifts for HGV unloading into the LFC, the stock is then located on the warehouse racking before being picked and distributed via the fleet of Argos vans. Each LFC is designed to hold in excess of 100,000 lines of various products from electronics to toys and garden to home wares.
Security is a client focus area and as part of the works, we create a secure yard with new automated vehicle gates and ANPR systems. Access control is installed along with CCTV and alarms systems and monitoring station with metal detector shrouds.
Offices, meeting rooms and staff facilities are created and follow a standard fit out solution that is the same on most LFC projects. The Simpson joiners shop provided the unitary which was installed by Simpson joiners and available (in between jobs) site managers with joinery skills.
As part of Sainsburys push to be more carbon efficient the engineering model utilises new Air Source heat pumps which we supply and install on concrete plinths as well as the required below ground drainage for the defrost cycle.
A new addition to the Washington LFC design was the inclusion of a full vehicle washdown station, which houses all the facilities you would need to clean and maintain the standard fleet of vans. Including new drainage, concrete plinth for the equipment along with ductwork for services to the location in the yard.
Our site managers Gary Fagan and Steve Barwick turned out a well finished project and the client team at Sainsburys Argos have been very happy and offered excellent feedback to our team.
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The works included new wall layouts, an upgraded sprinkler system, refreshed lighting and ceilings, and a fully branded shopfront built to the Bath & Body Works specification, complete with detailed tiling. New joinery and internal signage were also installed to bring the brand to life.
The store is now fully open, with even the iconic Bullring Bull dressed in Bath & Body Works attire to celebrate the launch. Another successful project delivered by Simpson.
Simpson celebrate successful Sainsbury's launch
On Thursday, 13th November, Simpson proudly marked the completion and grand opening of Sainsbury’s newest flagship supermarket at Wynyard, Billingham.
Simpson were appointed to complete the fit-out to the impressive 48,330 sq. ft. store which has been built to Sainsbury’s latest specification, setting a new benchmark for quality and sustainability. Featuring latest design, energy-efficient standards, and advanced operational features, this store represents the very best of Sainsbury’s retail experience.
Centre of Excellence takes home the win
Last night’s NFB Construction Awards of Excellence in Birmingham brought a fantastic moment of pride for Simpson. Two of our projects were shortlisted: Hull Maritime Museum—recognised in both the Remarkable Restoration and Renovation and Heritage and Conservation Project categories—and the Centre of Excellence, shortlisted for Excellence in Educational Building.
While Hull Maritime Museum narrowly missed out, we are thrilled to announce that the Centre of Excellence was named the winner of Excellence in Educational Building.
This project represents something truly special: a world‑class hub for heritage craft skills, supporting research, training, and the future of traditional craftsmanship. Being part of its journey has been a privilege.
Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this award‑winning project to life.
