800 jobs on the way as 500,000 sq ft warehouse build starts

Construction of a second warehouse for logistics giant, Great Bear Distribution, has started at Henry Boot Developments’ and Derbyshire County Council’s Markham Vale site.

The 479,285 sq ft distribution hub, on the Northern section of the business and logistics park, is expected to be complete by October this year.

Great Bear already has a purpose-built distribution centre located at Markham Vale East which was completed during July 2016. It’s second distribution centre will join the 212,800 sq ft distribution centre completed for Automotive component specialists, Ferdinand Bilstein UK, on the 70 acre North phase of the site.

Following completion, Great Bear – which is owned by Culina Group – will occupy approximately 1m sq ft of high specification distribution space at Markham Vale.

Vivienne Clements, director at Henry Boot Developments, said: “I am pleased construction has commenced on Great Bear’s second distribution unit at Markham Vale. It will benefit from the recently completed Seymour Link Road, providing excellent access to the M1 Motorway for Markham Vale North.

“Great Bear has chosen Markham Vale as a key location for a large part of its distribution operations, and the delivery of the first unit on Markham Vale East has shown how effective and efficient the process can be; from deal agreement to practical completion.

“We are extremely proud of what has been achieved at Markham Vale in the past few years. Our expertise and collaborative approach has created an excellent hub for businesses at Markham Vale.”

Peter Yarwood, regional operations director at Great Bear Distribution, added: “It’s fantastic that we are already off to a flying start and into the construction stage for the Markham Vale North unit.

We were extremely impressed with the delivery of the first unit at Markham Vale East, and have complete faith that the second will be delivered by Henry Boot Developments on time, on budget, and to a high standard.”

Derbyshire County Council’s head of Markham Vale, Peter Storey, said: “Great Bear’s decision to open two distribution centres at Markham Vale shows their confidence in Derbyshire as a great place to grow their business and a place to employ local skilled people.

“The company will play an important role in boosting Derbyshire’s economy by bringing in business to the area and providing up to 800 new jobs for local people over the next few years.”