Cycle retailer expands operations in the Black Country

ONLINE cycle and tri-sports retailer WiggleCRC is set to expand its operation in the West Midlands – although the move will mean the streamlining of the firm’s operation in Northern Ireland.

Wiggle, as it was then known, officially opened its new multi-million-pound distribution centre at the Citadel Logistics Centre in Bilston last September.

The opening of the facility completed the company’s relocation of its global distribution base from Portsmouth to the Black Country.

WiggleCRC was formed earlier this year when the firm took over Doagh-based Chain Reaction Cycles.

The company has now said it intends to concentrate its warehousing operations in Wolverhampton.

The move is likely to result in the loss of 152 staff and 161 agency roles in Doagh, Carrickfergus and Ballyclare, Northern Ireland.

The company said that in order to remain competitive in the UK – as well as globally – concentrating warehousing facilities at one site would be more efficient.

Despite the streamlining, the firm said it would be retaining a significant presence in Northern Ireland, with at least 275 employees unaffected by the latest decision.

The Bilston site provides 30,000 sqm of distribution space, which is three times the size of the firm’s previous facility.

The warehouse, which features 95 lorry parking spaces and 32 loading bays, helped to create 150 jobs when it opened.

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