Gillman's, the Gloucester-based electrical appliance specialists, have expanded, opening a new commercial site in Exeter.

It's the first base outside Gloucestershire for the family run business, which has been going for more than 50 years.

The company has expanded and diversified into many sectors of the electrical and gas appliance industry, covering national distribution, retail and service of both domestic and commercial appliances.

The new 2,000 square foot premises at the SkyPark business centre in Exeter will enable the firm to better service the commercial sector in Somerset and Devon, through into Cornwall.

The Gillman Group now employs in excess of 150 people across three sites in Gloucester, Tewkesbury and Ross-on-Wye.

John Gillman, head of service, said: "We will be targeting commercial laundry business, like hospitality, leisure, care, park home sites and the like.

"We've already secured the Southwest Electrolux partnership which is a real industry statement carrying out all their service and installation works."

The new showroom features the latest machines with a particular bias towards the newer, more environmentally friendly industry solutions. These include heat pump electric washers and dryers and Electrolux Professional's Line 6000 range and their lagoon® Advanced Care wet cleaning system, a greener alternative to solvent-based dry cleaning.

Mark Rogers, regional business manager at Electrolux Professional, said: "Being partnered with the Gillman's family has been a success story for years already and the additional sales and service depot in Exeter for the Southwest of England makes logical sense, serving our important customers with a one stop shop operation, this will be unbeatable."

Established in Gloucester in 1969 by John and Erika Gillman, the firm is the biggest independent distributor in the South West.

Children Robert, Annabelle and Adrian joined their parents in the business. Since then, John, Sarah, Richard and Lee Gilman have joined, making it a third generation run business.