Online electricals retailer AO recently hosted local community group Men in Sheds (now going by Crewe Shedders) at its logistics hub on Weston Road in Crewe. On Wednesday, the group arrived onsite for a tour of AO’s warehouses, followed by a skills-sharing session at the retailer’s ‘rework’ facility.
After learning of the registered charity just up the road, AO invited the group to down for a day out, an insight into its vast logistics operation and the opportunity to learn something new. The morning started with a tour of the 360,000 sqft Alpha warehouse, followed by a visit to the Latchford site where returned appliances are tested and refurbished before they are sold on as second-hand goods. The group received a demonstration on how an appliance is safely refurbished from the ‘rework’ team.
Based on Brierley Street in Crewe, Men in Sheds provides a welcoming space to socialise and participate in practical projects such as woodwork and metalwork, in a bid to combat loneliness and isolation. After their funding was withdrawn, the group reached out to local companies for their support to keep the Shed going.
Graham Walker, of Crewe Men in Sheds, said: “We’re so grateful for the opportunity to visit AO and the guys really enjoyed learning the ropes at the rework centre. Men in Sheds is all about learning something new and connecting with each other in the process. The Shed is so important to the community and it’s fantastic to see AO getting involved – the guys will be talking about this for weeks!”
Derek Norton, Reverse Logistics Manager at AO Logistics, said: “I’m so pleased we could welcome the ‘Shedders’ to AO this week and show them how we give returned appliances a new lease of life. As a business, we want to get involved with the local community and I’m glad we could support such an important project which really makes a difference.”
Currently handling approximately 800 appliances a week, AO’s rework facility refurbishes washing machines, fridges, TVs and more from a range of well-known manufacturers.