East of England Co-op's Ipswich distribution centre is back in action - after relaunching with new occupants as The Yaheetech Building.
Around £2.3m has been invested in the 127,600sq ft building at Boss Hall Business Park in Sproughton which is now home to online retailer MonuMart.
The company - which trades at Yaheetech - distributes furniture, pet supplies and outdoor goods made in China.
It moved into its new headquarters - the former Billington's sugar factory in Europa Way which lies across the road from the distribution centre - in 2019.
When the centre is fully up and running in spring, the company expects to employ more than 75 people across both of its locations as it strengthens its workforce with 40 new jobs.
MonuMart - which has seen major growth over recent years - has taken a 15-year lease on the Boss Hall premises in addition to its offices at Europa House.
The warehouse was earmarked for dividing into smaller units, but it has now been fully reclad and renovated ready for its single new occupant.
Monumart managing director Colin Louch said: “We are delighted to have finally moved into the old Co-op Distribution Centre, now called after our brand The Yaheetech Building.
"Having been a tenant previously of the East of England Co-op on the Boss Hall estate, we knew each other a bit prior to our discussions on the distribution centre.
"It was this plus the co-op’s ethical way of doing business that encouraged us to take the financial risks with this project that we might otherwise have not taken.
"The East of England Co-op is a great social enterprise, and Ipswich is a better place for it."
Nick Denny, joint chief executive for property at the East of England Co-op, said: “We’re excited to see Boss Hall a hive of activity once again and are really pleased to have let our former distribution centre in its entirety.
"MonuMart had previously been a tenant of ours for several years and so it’s brilliant to see them growing and expanding their business, bringing new jobs to the area and securing the future of this iconic site. I wish Colin and the team all the very best."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here