Electricals retailer invests in new depot as it recruits more workers

Online electricals retailer, AO, has opened a new depot in Leeds as it continues to grow its logistics network.

The new site at Total Park on Pontefract Lane will be the 24th depot in AO’s network, helping the retailer to be even closer to its customers across Yorkshire.

Opened this week, the 35,000 sq ft site is the latest depot to open its doors in recent months, following expansion into Crawley, Newport and Bracknell.

AO says growing its logistics operation with new depots and distribution centres is key to ensuring it can continue to provide the best possible delivery service across the country.

Over the last 18 months, the business has increased its warehousing capacity by over 80%, rapidly growing its distribution network and creating over 1,500 jobs across the business.

While the new site itself will initially create 29 new opportunities for people across Yorkshire, the move follows the company’s huge push for driver recruitment.

The retailer is currently recruiting employed drivers nationwide, with over 100 logistics vacancies available, including HGV drivers, 7.5t delivery drivers and warehouse operatives.

David Ashwell, MD, said: “The new depot is in the ideal location to support our growth as a business – we’ll be able to serve our customers in Yorkshire even better than before and it means we’re securing the best infrastructure for the future.

“The rapid expansion of AO Logistics is really a testament to the hard work of our people and how much we’ve grown over the last 18 months.”

The company’s depots are supplied by main distribution centres in Crewe, Stafford and Stoke and a nationwide delivery coverage ensures the business is never more than one hour away from customers.

AO acquired the two-person delivery company, formerly Expert Logistics, in 2009 and it now offers next day delivery to every UK postcode seven days a week on its range of 12,000 electrical products.