Carlsberg Britvic is set to invest £4m in a new depot at the West Midlands Interchange (WMI) logistics hub which will replace its Wolverhampton hub next year.
The drinks giant will be the first occupier at the WMI site, which is being developed by Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners.
The new depot at WMI, expected to open next year, will see Carlsberg Britvic’s entire logistics operations in Wolverhampton transfer to the new facility.
The company said the move marks an exciting new milestone in its growth strategy. It follows its £6m investment in brewery upgrades at its site in Burton-on-Trent.
Construction of the new purpose-built facility at WMI, which is located at Junction 12 of the M6 north of Wolverhampton, will commence later this year.
The 222,000 sq ft new unit is part of Carlsberg Britvic’s wider ambitions to expand its UK logistics footprint and will also lay the foundation for future growth.
Operations and deliveries from Carlsberg Britvic’s current depot will continue as normal while the new site is under construction.
The new depot is designed with a focus on energy efficiency and building performance. The depot is targeting a BREEAM Excellent standard and will be a Net Zero Carbon Aligned building, based on the pilot UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard, while the roofs will be 100% optimised for PV panels.
Paul Davies, Carlsberg Britvic chief executive, said: “This investment underscores our long-term commitment to strengthening our operations and enhancing service to our customers.
“The new facility will be a massive investment in the region, providing a new base for our depot team in Wolverhampton.
“The West Midlands Interchange provides an ideal location for our new depot, enabling us to future-proof our logistics infrastructure and build for sustainable growth.”
Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson said: “The UK is open for business and Carlsberg Britvic’s major investment is the latest vote of confidence in our economy, delivering economic growth and showing our Plan for Change is working.
“This new logistics depot in the West Midlands will not only boost the UK’s logistics sector but help deliver the long-term, stable growth that supports skilled jobs and raises living standards across the UK.”
James Markby, LCP managing partner, said: “Our agreement with Carlsberg Britvic demonstrates the wider confidence in the strategic success of West Midlands Interchange.
“We are happy that Carlsberg Britvic share our commitment to sustainability, supporting its commitment to achieving net zero carbon value chain emissions by 2040 through its long-term sustainability programme.
“The WMI site is set to become the country’s most significant rail served logistics development and will become a crucial component of the UK’s strategic freight network. It will be key to decarbonising UK logistics and supporting the country’s wider net zero aspirations.
“WMI will also make a significant contribution to the local economy, creating 8,500 direct jobs and boosting opportunities for people in South Staffordshire, the Black Country, the West Midlands, and other surrounding areas.
“We look forward to announcing more occupiers in future months.”
Robin Everall, Oxford Properties head of development, added: “Attracting Carlsberg Britvic as the first occupier at West Midlands Interchange is a significant milestone for the project, underlining the quality of the offer we are creating and the importance of its location.
“The bringing together of the UK’s largest multi-beverage supplier and one of the most important logistics developments in the country will deliver a significant boost to the regional and national economy.
“Demand for sustainable and well-connected logistics space continues to significantly outstrip supply and our investment here exemplifies Oxford’s strong conviction in relation to the logistics sector, our continued positive view on the UK as a place to invest and our commitment to ESG.”
