Distribution deal drives 750 new Widnes jobs

by englandsnorthwest.com - 25/02/2010

"Tesco and logistics company Stobart have agreed a deal on a retail distribution centre that will bring 750 jobs to Widnes."

The supermarket giant has signed a long lease on a 500,000 sq ft chilled distribution facility at Stobart's inland port next to the River Mersey. The centre, which will handle fresh food, is scheduled to start operating in July.

The Widnes facility is part of the Mersey Multimodal Gateway (3MG) site. Besides being conveniently situated for the M6, M62 and M56 motorways, the site also sits alongside the West Coast Main Line, which will enable Tesco to make greater use of rail freight for distribution to its North West stores.

Juliette Bishop, Tesco's corporate affairs manager, said: "This new modern facility will allow us to greatly enhance the service to our stores and customers across the Northwest of England.

"This site also offers access to alternative transport infrastructure, including port and rail which will allow us to explore future opportunities to help us further reduce freight travelling by road."

The Tesco deal is the latest step in a long-term development plan for the Widnes site. There are plans for the development of another 1m sq ft of warehousing and the site is expected to employ 5,000 people within ten years.

More Details: http://www.englandsnorthwest.com/invest/news/archive/13010-distribution-deal-drives-750-new-widnes-jobs.html