At least 300 new jobs will be created in Stafford as hardware giants Screwfix Direct move into the town - with the promise of up to 600 available when the site is fully operational.
The company, the UK’s leading direct supplier of tools and hardware to companies such as B&Q, has signed a 10-year lease on a 545,570 sqft site at Primepoint 14.
The company states that 300 jobs will be created initially, with the company set to begin recruitment in Spring 2007.
The units, built by Solihull-based company Prologis will become fully operational in June 2007 and Screwfix claims that the number of positions available at the company could reach 600 within three years.
Business leaders and local councillors have welcomed the news. Judy Summers, manager of Stafford Chamber of Commerce, said: “We always welcome new jobs into Stafford and we are becoming a major centre for distribution and logistics companies.
“It is worth noting that these are not all low grade jobs, there are supervisors and managers jobs as well and we are pleased to hear these jobs will be created here. Unemployment levels in Stafford are traditionally low and remain stable.”
Doug Davis, cabinet member for planning and regeneration said: “It is a real coup for Stafford to have Screwfix back, after the company was turned away from the town by certain members a few years ago.
“I am absolutely delighted that these jobs are coming to Stafford and that such a major company is setting down roots in the town.”
Plans to construct a distribution centre at the Primepoint site were thrown out by members of the borough council’s development control committee four years ago, following complains by residents over the proposed units.The company then opted to develop the centre which employs 500 people, in Trentham.
Steve Willett, managing director at Screwfix Direct said: “We have been delighted with the performance of our semi-automated Distribution Centre at Trentham near Stoke and are confident that the second site will only add further strength to our business.
“Our sales have continued to increase year on year and not only has our catalogue expanded and our website traffic levels increased but the number of active customers and the average order value has also grown.”
In addition to the buildings being taken on by Screwfix two other warehouses measuring 127,000 sq ft and 70,000 sq ft are also being built by Prologis at the site.
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