.jpg)
JCB took over a long lease last year on the 383,000 ft² warehouse formerly occupied by Blue Planet. Since then, it has recruited 80 new warehouse and office staff and 20 drivers. Over the next two years employment levels are expected to triple to more than 300 as the facility becomes fully operational.
The depot is run for JCB by logistics firm DHL. It is the central receiving hub for supplier-bought components used in the manufacture and assembly of JCB machines. It holds approximately 25,000 pallets of components.
The company’s move to the premises saw the consolidation of seven warehouses into one and as a result will see road mileage reduced by 20% per year, the company has calculated.
It is also reckoned to be one of the UK’s most environmentally-friendly industrial buildings with rainwater harvesting facilities, optimised use of natural light and the deployment of sustainable and recyclable materials in the construction and fitting out of the building.
JCB said that the use of natural light was so effective that for two months they hadn’t had to turn any lights on during the daytime. In addition, the building is so well insulated that its biomass boiler has not had to be switched on yet this winter.
New CEO Graeme Macdonald unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of the premises yesterday. He said: “Staffordshire is where JCB’s business started almost 70 years ago and Staffordshire is where our heart is, so I’m delighted that the opening of JCB World Logistics is bringing more employment opportunities to the county.”
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
