// VF Corp begins operations at new 600,000sq ft fulfilment centre in Bardon, Leicestershire
// It will employ approximately 250 people during peak periods
// As the main fulfilment centre in the UK, it will serve almost 90% of the market within a day
VF Corp has begun operations at its new multimillion pound fulfilment centre in Bardon, Leicestershire.
The new 600,000sq ft centre, which is the equivalent of 10 football pitches, will employ approximately 250 people during peak periods.
The warehouse will also enable VF Corp to provide more distribution services for its brands’ wholesale, ecommerce and retail customers in the UK – serving almost 90 per cent of the market within a day.
READ MORE:
- VF Corp announces key appointments for EMEA leadership team
- Timberland owner VF Corp buys Supreme in £1.5bn deal
Speed and efficiency are at the centre of the warehouse, with direct flow of parcel shipments having a capacity of 200,000 units per day, in addition to 18 stations with the capacity to pick 170,000 units per day.
The new fulfilment centre in Bardon was also been designed to reflect VF Corp’s sustainability commitments, with a number of green technologies including low water usage fittings and electric solar gain devices to reduce energy and heat waste.
The new centre builds on VF Corp’s significant investment in the UK in the past two years, including the launch of a new business hub and brand new Timberland and Vans flagship stores in London.
“We are extremely proud to mark the opening of the VF’s most technologically advanced fulfilment centre in the region,” VF Corp EMEA president Martino Scabbia Guerrini said.
“This exciting new development, which supports the evolution of our supply chain business model, bolsters our UK presence, our number one market in EMEA.
“It also underlines our commitment to be a consumer-minded, retail-centric and hyper-digital enterprise as part of our company transformation and long-term growth strategy.”
VF Corp EMEA supply chain vice president Darren Miller said: “Expanding into this prime location will allow us to further strengthen our operations to ensure we can continue a high-quality service to our many retail and ecommerce customers across the UK.
“Investing in cutting-edge and technologically-advanced equipment also allows us to integrate our online and in-store operations, reducing lead times and driving efficiencies to meet customer demand more effectively.”
VF Corp distribution director Matthew Hibberd said: “In line with VF’s ‘people first’ culture, the new centre has been designed with employees’ welfare in mind.
“It offers a safe and comfortable working environment, with open space and breakout areas for colleagues to collaborate and meet informally.
“In addition, there is an onsite canteen and gym, to encourage a healthy work-life balance.”
VF Corp currently has 1800 employees in the UK, across 90 owned and operated stores, seven offices and two distribution centres.
Alongside Timberland and Vans, the firm also owns The North Face and Supreme.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
