400 new jobs as logistics firm plans second site

Distribution and logistics giant Great Bear is to open a second distribution centre at Markham Vale, creating up to 400 new jobs.

The announcement comes four months after the firm got the keys to their new distribution centre which is set to open next year at Markham Vale.

Building work is set to start on the company’s second 479,285 sq ft distribution centre in January 2017 and completed in June next year.

Established in 1994, the Chester-based firm operates in 30 locations nationwide providing warehousing and distribution for clients such as PZ Cussons, BMW, Unilever, Mars and Mondelez.

Peter Yarwood, regional operations director at Great Bear Distribution said: “The deal agreed between Henry Boot Developments for a second distribution unit is evidence of the quality of space Markham Vale has to offer.

“Being located on the M1 corridor, the site fits our needs perfectly.

“Henry Boot Developments has already delivered a bespoke facility for us at the site and we are confident the second unit will allow us to further enhance our capacity to service the wider UK more effectively.”

After building Great Bear’s first unit at the site, Heage-based construction firm Bowmer & Kirkland has been appointed by Henry Boot Developments to build the company’s second premises.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget, Councillor Anne Western said: “We’re really pleased Great Bear has chosen to build a second distribution centre at Markham Vale bringing a further 400 jobs.

“It shows great confidence in the site’s location and in Derbyshire as a place where businesses thrive and grow.

“We’re very proud of Markham’s progress to date − it’s now home to 40 businesses and has brought over 900 to jobs to the area so far.”

When Great Bear’s second distribution unit is complete, the firm will occupy just under 1 million sq ft of land at Markham Vale making it the largest business on the site to date.

Vivienne Clement, director at Henry Boot Developments said: “This second investment by Great Bear is a testament to our successful approach to the delivery of high quality, bespoke buildings at Markham Vale.

“The new unit will join the 225,000 sq ft unit currently under construction for Ferdinand Bilstein UK on Markham Vale North, which is due to be completed in January 2017.”