Aldi has set its sights set on two new regional distribution centres, as the discounter needs “urgent” support for its increasing foothold in the UK.
The retailer has put in proposals for large-scale developments at sites in Leicestershire and Kent.
In Leicestershire, Aldi want to open a 58,634 sq m centre in Sawley by early 2017, to create 400 new jobs. The discounter says this will serve existing and planned new stores throughout the Midlands region and provide expansion space to serve Aldi’s ongoing growth plans.
“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,” said an Aldi spokesman.
“Sawley is a key site in our growth plans and will also be a major boost to the local economy of North West Leicestershire.”
At the other proposed site, Aldi is set to spend £50m on a 62,427 sq m centre on the Isle of Sheppey, which would include a 14 acre warehouse and office space measuring more than 40,000 sq ft.
“We are proud of our existing employment record in Kent but this investment will mean we are able to create even more opportunities for the community,” said the spokesman.
“We hope more people in Kent will switch to Aldi to take advantage of our great value products and everyday low prices.”
These latest distribution centre proposals follow Aldi announcing new centres in Barnsley and Cardiff last year and come after the discounter announced its UK expansion plans during the Prime Minister’s visit to its headquarters last Summer.
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