YORKON, the York-based off-site construction specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, has been appointed sole modular supplier for Tesco Express for the second consecutive year.

Since forming the partnership in 2001, Yorkon has manufactured buildings worth about £11million for the supermarket.

Yorkon's 50th made-in-York Tesco Express convenience store has also recently been completed at Fazakerley, near Liverpool, and a further 20 stores are planned for the next 12 months. Yorkon is currently working on orders to the value of £2million, which include sites in Scotland, Hull, Sheffield and Rochdale.

Guy Digby, property programme director for Tesco Express, said: "Our aim is to deliver stores which meet the changing needs of our customers and to provide a pleasant working environment for our staff.

"Off-site construction allows us to achieve this and to benefit from significantly less time on site and guaranteed quality. We believe it is the best and most cost-effective method of building new Express convenience stores."

"Yorkon is committed to continually improving the building process and working with us to achieve best value. Their team works with us as a genuine partner, with excellent communications, a professional approach and most importantly, the ability to deliver on time and on budget."

Keith Blanshard, director and general manager of Yorkon, said: "Our partnership with Tesco is another example of the high level of repeat business we receive from existing customers."

Yorkon now manufactures two store designs for Tesco Express - a standalone option and a store for use on petrol forecourts. These are available in three store sizes - 2,000sqft, 2,500sqft and 3,000sqft and two lay-out configurations to suit specific site requirements.

Yorkon has also built a number of bespoke projects, including a two-storey Tesco Express with pitched roof and brick cladding.

The store modules are manufactured and fitted out at Yorkon's production centre in Mew Lane, Huntington, York, and delivered to site where they are craned into position.

Updated: 11:03 Tuesday, July 12, 2005