A CLOTHES distribution centre is to open in Ellesmere Port, creating 200 jobs.
The UK’s biggest specialist outdoor and leisure clothing company, Regatta, will establish a new 400,000sq ft distribution centre at Pioneer Point, North Road.
The centre – designed to serve the UK and European markets – could be operational by November.
On Tuesday, Jo Radcliffe, head of human resources at Regatta, said: “We hope to have about 75 people employed and trained by Christmas and the remainder of jobs will follow on a phased basis over the next two to three years.”
For the past four months company chiefs have been working with Cheshire West and Chester Council leaders, the Ellesmere Port Development Board and officers of the authority’s Economic Development, Planning, Regeneration and Building Consultancy services to clinch the move.
Council leader Mike Jones said: “This is wonderful news and a major step in the regeneration of Ellesmere Port. I hope there will many more such investments to come.”
Distribution facilities at Pioneer Point and ready access to the national road network were major factors in the decision to choose Ellesmere Port.
Jobs will range from forklift truck drivers, pickers and packers on the shop floor, to administration and management.
Ellesmere Port Development Board chairman Robert Mee said: “Ellesmere Port offers the right facilities and workforce, a wonderful new college of further education and academy and is soon to have the largest Marks & Spencer store outside of London. Things are going well and can only get better.”
Regatta is recruiting people to pick and package its clothes for retailers.
Ellesmere Port residents who are long-term unemployed can get help with their application by attending a workshop this month at the HHEET Centre in Westminster, Ellesmere Port. To book a place, call the centre on 0151 356 6667.
Details of all vacancies are available at www.regatta.com/recruitment.asp.
