THE year's rolled back for Worcester MP Robin Walker when for the second time he helped to open a new factory of the city's major heating firm.

Back in 1983, Mr Walker was a cherubic five-year-old taken along by his father Peter, who was then the city's MP and a leading member of Margaret Thatcher's government, for the re-opening of Worcester Heat System's headquarters in Diglis following a major fire.

Thirty two years later, Mr Walker officially opened the doors of the new £9 million distribution centre of the company's successor Worcester, Bosch Group in Wainright Road, Warndon. He said: "My family and I have always had a close affinity with Worcester, Bosch Group. My father Peter Walker, helped re-open the Diglis factory following a devastating fire. I even made it into that photograph as a child so I am particularly delighted to be part of this new stage in Worcester’s future. This opening marks a big investment into the area as a whole and I am looking forward to seeing this move further develop and strengthen the company’s position as leader in the heating industry.”

The landmark building consolidates Worcester Bosch's two existing distribution facilities into one, highly-efficient location. The company's finished boilers, heat pumps, cylinders, commercial products and accessories have already been moved from the previous warehouses to the new 6.7 acre site, which is able to hold more than 10,000 pallets at capacity. Internal sales teams and the logistics planning departments have also made the move to the new building. The site also features a three-tier mezzanine and additional racking to house the spare parts pre-pack and despatch departments for greater efficiency. When fully operational it will allow for the despatch of 10,000 items per day.

Carl Arntzen, managing director of Worcester, Bosch Group said: We are thrilled to be officially unveiling our purpose built Bosch Distribution Centre. This new building supplements the huge investment we have undertaken at our head office and factory on Cotswold Way, and will ensure our business continues to produce and distribute the quality and innovative products for which Worcester is known, as effectively as possible.

“The move has involved a great deal of logistical planning to combine the two previous locations but we are already seeing the benefits. Not only has it made it easier in terms of storage and distribution space but the extra office facilities also give flexibility for future growth, as we continue to strengthen our position in the market."