Screwfix is to boost its infrastructure with a new warehouse for its expanding store network.
Screwfix recently notched up store number 490 and has self-stated plans to open "one store per week".
Set to open later this year, the new warehouse will be built in Prologis Park Fradley, near Lichfield. On a site the size of seven football pitches (562,000sq ft), the site will initially create 200 jobs. That figure will rise to 700 over the next five years.
The new site joins other distribution and fulfilment centres in Prologis Park Stafford and Trentham.
Screwfix growth plan
The Screwfix brand is part of the Kingfisher Group and has been a star performer. Kingfisher's latest financials revealed Screwfix's sales growth hit 23.1% in Q3 2016.
“The decision to construct a warehouse near Lichfield was taken to ensure we have the logistics infrastructure to support the needs of our expanding business," said Martin Lee, Screwfix's Supply Chain, Logistics and IT Director. "Adding one store per week to our network means we need to make sure we have the stock distribution in place to enable our busy trade customers to get what they want, when they need it from the nearest Screwfix, so they can get back to the job as quickly as possible.
“We will initially be recruiting 200 new warehouse colleagues and drivers and the number of roles required will grow to 700 to support its growth plan, representing a significant employment opportunity for the local community.”
Environmental impact
The new centre has taken sustainability into account with use of technology including solar PV panels, LED lighting and rainwater harvesting planned to minimise the environmental impact of the site.
The new warehouse will be operated by Wincanton on behalf of Screwfix and recruitment for the new roles will begin in September 2017.
Kingfisher also owns B&Q in the UK and Castorama and Brico Depot in France.
The UK's DIY/home improvement market is going to be interesting in 2017 with Bunnings opening its first UK Warehouse next month.
