A RAPIDLY expanding business is hoping to build on its success by opening a sales and distribution centre in Warminster.

At a time when many companies are cutting back and talking of recession, Seagull Foods is looking forward to the rest of 2003 with optimism and ambitious plans for further growth.

The company is moving into Northlands Industrial Estate in Warminster and could eventually employ more than 25 people at the site.

Operating from a head office in Worcestershire, Seagull has been supplying the ethnic restaurant, takeaway and supermarket trade for 30 years and now offers an extensive range of speciality frozen foods, chilled and dry goods.

Wayne Philbrow, the business development manager in War-minster, said: "Everybody will be employed from the local area and we hope to supply food to outlets throughout the south west.

"We are operating from the old Clarks shoes site in Fairfield Road and employ five people, but we are growing rapidly.

"We started deliveries from Warminster in December and the number of lorries we send out has grown from two to five."

In the past 12 months the company has opened a sales and distribution centre in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

It has invested in a new fleet of 7.5 tonne and 13 tonne temperature controlled vehicles.

They are decked out in the red and gold livery that has become a common site up and down the roads of the UK.

With the backing of British Seafood Ltd, Seagull has become the fastest growing food service business in the sector.

Mr Philbrow said: "Seagull has a bright future and hopefully it will continue to grow."