Up to 200 new jobs as new 128,000sq ft distribution centre ready to open in Stafford

Logistics giant Wincanton is opening the 128,000 sq ft distribution centre next to its existing site on Prologis Park in Stafford.

It says it expects 200 people to be working there during peak times, including the period running up to Christmas, but has not confirmed how many of the new jobs are permanent or full time.

The new centre, due to start operating in August, will support partner DIY retailer Screwfix with customer demand. It has been created as part of steps by Screwfix to ensure it can keep up with extra demand that it has experienced during lockdown.

It is also designed to enable staff to continue to stay safe at work and observe social distancing guidelines as volumes increase.

The news comes after Screwfix was reported to be under pressure over its treatment of workers during the coronavirus lockdown.

There were numerous complaints from warehouse workers in Stafford and Lichfield about a lack of social distancing and other issues.

Wincanton said the safety of its staff is its “number one priority” and that it was “working flat out” to ensure social distancing and other measures are adhered to.

This new distribution centre is the fifth in Staffordshire, with Wincanton already having another on the site.

Paul Taylor, contract general manager at Wincanton, said: "Mobilising an end-to-end solution to support the Screwfix business with a seamless customer experience in just four weeks is quite an achievement and demonstrates our agility and commitment to our customers.

"Wincanton’s ability to match space across our network and work in a flexible way ensures we continue to add value to our customer’s delivery and service proposition."

Rosemary Wilkins, director of logistics at Screwfix, said: "It’s great to work with a logistics partner who can draw upon their scale to mobilise quickly to support the changing requirements of the business."

Wincanton plc is a logistics firm, providing supply chain solutions to businesses across a wide range of industries including retail, construction, defence and energy.

It designs and implement services and solutions that range from setting up and operating distribution networks through to bonded warehouses, technology hosting, container transport and storage.