With a total of 110,000 sqm new warehousing space opened in October across two new sites in the UK, leading global transport and logistics services provider GEODIS significantly increases its Contract Logistics operation in Europe’s third biggest retail market*.
Driven by demand for contract logistics services as a consequence of the retail e-commerce boom that is no less apparent in the UK market than elsewhere in Europe, GEODIS has opened two new facilities: 40,000 sqm warehouse in the North of England in Doncaster and a 70,000 sqm logistics site at Lutterworth in the East Midlands region, providing employment for nearly 600 (1,200 during the peak season).
Established in response to the increase in sales volumes of a high-profile international online retailer, the facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art automated technology, 18-meter, high-density racking and provide a combined capacity for processing up to 1.5 million units per week.
GEODIS plans to double its contract logistics operations in the UK, in-line with its growth plans to become a top 15 operator in the market within the next five years.
Stéphanie Hervé is chief operating officer, Western Europe, Middle East and Africa for GEODIS. “Retailers are beefing up their ability to supply the burgeoning e-commerce sector via a nationally based distribution network”, she comments. “Our response is to help our established customers grow and to attract additional business with our skills and experience augmented by our innovative and specially designed IT/automated solutions for the online retail sector.”
Both locations are well-located in terms of access to national road networks and distribution to centers of population across the country will therefore be facilitated. Doncaster as well as Lutterworth are in areas of concentrated logistics and warehousing activity. Alketa Idrizi, GEODIS’ Human Resources Director in the UK, recognizes the current challenges in recruiting both locally and across the UK as a whole. “GEODIS has an enviable track record in caring for and training its staff,” she emphasizes. “Our image of a socially aware and inclusive employer, with a reputation for diversity in our human resource policies is well-founded and leads to a high level of staff retention. We are confident that these commitments to staff welfare will encourage a high caliber of applicant to join our new operations.”
*Source: Moody’s Analytics www.economy.com/indicators/retail-sales