Entrepreneur goes from unemployment to opening 37,000sqft Swindon warehouse in a decade

Mayor of Swindon Cllr Garry Perkins has officially opened the new OPX Group Distribution Centre.

Located in Ignition Park, Dorcan, the 37.000 square feet warehouse offices with state-of-the-art management systems are described as the next step in owner Lee Hallett's journey after successfully launching his first company in 2014.

Mr Hallett has always been open about his personal journey and how he started his business after a tough time in his personal life in 2012, where he effectively became homeless and unemployed. 

In 2013, he approached the Job Centre who put him in touch with Outset, a Government-backed scheme helping to provide funding and give would-be businesspeople the tools to succeed.

Cllr Perkins first met Mr Hallett early in the funding process and has followed his progress.

He said: “After the closure of Honda, Swindon needs entrepreneurs like Lee.”

Mr Hallett said at the opening: "We've experienced such significant growth, year on year; our feet haven't touched the ground. In seven years, we've created three successful, profitable businesses and employ hundreds of people on a daily basis. We are supported by some of the country's biggest third-party logistics providers, supermarkets and retailers.

"This is an exciting time for OPX, and this is an exciting time for Swindon. We have found our place in the market and have ambitious plans to grow throughout the country. 

"I am truly grateful for the continued support of my family, friends, colleagues and employees, who have all played a part in where we're stood today, and I am incredibly proud of everyone involved."

OPX Group's new General Manager is Dave Boggild, who was headhunted from Aldi after 30 years there. Asked why he decided to join OPX Group, Boggild said: "The opportunity to make a difference, every single day. Without the corporate bureaucracy, I'm able to make decisions at any time to create an environment where people want to work.

"The vision is to make OPX the best place in Swindon to work. We've got some of the best employees already, and we want to make it the best for everyone in the future. The depot is modern and efficient, so a great place to work. It's a place where people are valued and trusted, and where their contributions are recognised.

"This is just the beginning. We have exciting plans, and in early 2023 we will hopefully open a larger distribution centre in the Midlands. As an ethical business, we will deliver on our promises of supporting the supply chain and allowing our partners businesses to operate smoothly, we are the solution to their problems.”

Another new team member is Andrew Smith, who has joined from the Heineken Group as Financial Director to support the firm's continued growth.

The opening event had more than 100 guests, including family, customers and the employees, who Mr Hallett credits with playing an integral role in his success.