AN award-winning Worcestershire gritting and snow clearance company has taken its next growth steps following a move to second premises and a five-figure vehicle fleet investment.

AA Salt, which helps hundreds of businesses keep their premises safe by gritting and snow ploughing car parks and access roads in the winter months, has relocated its operations base to a 12,500 square foot storage and operations facility in Cowsden, near Upton Snodsbury.

The move doubles the size of the firm’s operational capacity and adds a second site on top of its headquarters in Himbleton.

The move to a second site has also seen a £40,000 investment into a new gritting vehicle to help the company handle the growth in the number of customers looking to use their snow clearance and salt spreading services.

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Ben Tanner, sales and operations director said: “Over the past year, and despite the current situation with Covid-19, we have continued to welcome new customers and that growth meant we had to look closely at a second site to support our capacity and efficiency.

“The new Cowsden site is exactly what we need as it not only gives us the operational space we need, but it also has the capacity to cope with further growth in the years ahead.

“It is a fantastic facility and well placed on the main road network right in the heart of Worcestershire. Our investment in another gritting vehicle takes the size of our fleet to 13.

“Ultimately, it is an investment which is helping us to prepare for the future and an expected busy winter.”

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Formed in 2002, the family firm, which is managed by Mr Tanner, his mother Nikki Rogers and her husband Mark, has gone on to employ 25 full-time and seasonal workers and grown to over 400 customers.

In 2019 the company was announced as the Family Business of the Year by the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

The company’s customers include medical surgeries, hospitals, universities, retail parks, schools, office complexes, supermarkets and sporting arenas.

They have become known in recent years for their environmental awareness and sustainability approach, which includes using only non-toxic white marine salt and ensuring their supply chain is as efficient and as environmentally-friendly as possible.