Aldi has announced plans for a major new distribution centre that will create 400 jobs and respond to ‘urgent need’ to supply new and existing stores throughout the Midlands.
The 600,000 sq ft site is based at Sawley Crossroads, just off the A50 in the East Midlands, and work is due to start next year if plans get the go-ahead.
There is also scope for further space to expand at the Sawley site to meet anticipated ongoing growth plans, Aldi confirmed.
“This is major investment for Aldi. The distribution requirements of the business need to keep pace with the growth of our retail outlets, and we therefore have an urgent need to deliver a new centre to serve our Midlands region,” a spokesperson for Aldi said.
“The site at Sawley is ideally placed to do this. We have been in talks with North West Leicestershire district council to ensure that the scheme is deliverable, and we are hopeful that planning will be approved and we can be on-site during 2015.
“The Sawley site also provides a future expansion opportunity for the business, and this too will be covered by the forthcoming planning application. This is a key site in our growth plans and will also be a major boost to the local economy of North West Leicestershire.”
Discussions with the site’s owners, Wilson Bowden Developments, have been concluded and a formal planning application will be made early in the New Year.
Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, Richard Blunt, said the possibility of Aldi bringing at least 400 new jobs to the district is “very promising”.
“The site at Sawley is ideally placed on the main road network. As such, this site makes a suitable location to meet the immediate and future distribution needs of Aldi’s growing business, as well as providing significant new jobs and investment for the residents of the area.
“We welcome Aldi’s interest and will be working with the company to secure this important scheme for the district.”
The project is set to be completed in two phases, and includes opportunities for local companies to tender for construction work as well as apprentices to train on the construction site.
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