300 jobs on the way at new Land Rover site
CAR giant Jaguar Land Rover is creating 300 jobs at a new parts and logistics base at Ellesmere Port.
The company says demand for its Land Rover Evoque is behind the expansion, which came with a pledge to spend an additional £1bn with UK-based suppliers.
The 400,000sq ft Phoenix facility, currently vacant, is close to Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port factory. It will be run by logistics giant DHL, JLR’s existing partner.
JLR has increased the value of UK supply contracts by £1 billion, in addition to the £2bn supply contracts it awarded to more than 40 UK suppliers in March 2011.
These suppliers provide components, facilities and services to support the Range Rover Evoque production line at Halewood on Merseyside.
Dr Ralf Speth, chief executive of Jaguar Land Rover, said “The announcements demonstrate JLR’s strong products and clear ambition for continued growth.
“The demand we have seen across the globe for the Range Rover Evoque means we are able to significantly increase what we spend with our suppliers, which is great news for the UK economy, and the thousands of jobs JLR supports in its supply chain.
“Our commitment to the North West will also be enhanced with the new logistics facility and this will support the future success of both our Freelander 2 and Range Rover Evoque models.”
Paul Dyer, managing director of DHL Supply Chain’s automotive services in the UK and Ireland, added: “We are delighted to continue our support for JLR’s ever-growing expansion plans.
“As the UK’s North West region is fast becoming a major supply chain hub for the automotive industry, this new facility will greatly enhance the next stage of the company’s development and future success.”
