Arco is strengthening its position in West Yorkshire by opening its third branch in the region.

The UK's leading supplier of personal protective equipment, clothing and workplace safety products invests a quarter of a million pounds in a new Leeds branch, giving it three outlets in the region which are forecast to produce GBP16m in three years time. In the current climate, there is more onus on businesses than ever before to take responsibility for the health and safety of their workforce. The number of routine health and safety inspections has fallen over recent years, with an increased expectation that employers take responsibility for ensuring that the necessary equipment and procedures are in place to meet their legal obligations.

With this in mind, Arco is strengthening its position in West Yorkshire by opening its third branch in the region.

Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive show there were 146,288 accidents to workers in 2005/06 across Britain, 212 of which were fatal.

In the Yorkshire and the Humber region, there were 21 fatal injuries to workers from a total of 15,006 reported injuries.

The Leeds branch, situated at Holbeck Triangle, off Gelderd Road, close to Armley Gyratory, will be opened today (Monday 26 February).

Stocking a wide range of protective clothing and equipment, Arco can also provide expert advice on health and safety issues in the workplace.

Industries to benefit from the new branch will include manufacturing, transport and distribution, utilities, food and construction.

Established in 1884, this fourth generation family business is intent on increasing its market share in the UK.

The Leeds branch will be Arco's 32nd nationally.

Arco currently has branches in Ossett and Bradford and the addition of the Leeds branch will boost sales to GBP16m within three years.

A GBP250K investment in Leeds includes refitting the 7,300 sq ft unit and employing six staff.

'Leeds is an important opening for Arco - we can see the potential locally and know we can provide an excellent PPE service to businesses in the area'.

'We have built our reputation on being experts in our field and the staff at the branch will be highly trained to advise customers and make sure they buy the correct equipment for their requirements,' said Alan Colquhoun, Leeds branch sales manager.

Arco makes a difference to local businesses by providing a package of solutions which simplifies the buying process - a choice of ordering channels, a range of payment methods, invoice solutions - paper or electronic, central account management for national accounts and proactive account management.

Arco has three methods of reaching its customers - through the branches, its annual catalogue, the Big Red Book and on-line.

It supplies all the PPE and clothing required to meet health and safety requirements from ear plugs to smoking shelters and respirators to hard hats.

The branch network stretches the length and breadth of the UK from Aberdeen to Plymouth and Cardiff to Bury St Edmunds.

Arco intends to open more branches this year and the Leeds branch will be a valuable addition to Arco and the local business community.