Plans to create 400 new jobs at Derbyshire regeneration site

The announcement comes four months after the firm got the keys to their new distribution centre which is set to open next year at Markham Vale located at J29A of the M1.

Building work is set to start on the company’s second 479,285 sq.ft distribution centre in January 2017 and completed in June next year.

Established in 1994, the Chester-based firm operates in 30 locations nationwide providing warehousing and distribution for clients such as PZ Cussons, BMW, Unilever, Mars and Mondelez.

Peter Yarwood, Regional Operations Director at Great Bear Distribution said: “The deal agreed between Henry Boot Developments for a second distribution unit is evidence of the quality of space Markham Vale has to offer.

“Being located on the M1 corridor, the site fits our needs perfectly.

“Henry Boot Developments has already delivered a bespoke facility for us at the site and we are confident the second unit will allow us to further enhance our capacity to service the wider UK more effectively.”

After successfully building Great Bear’s first unit at the site, Heage-based construction firm Bowmer & Kirkland have been appointed by Henry Boot Developments – the county council’s private sector property partner – to build the company’s second premises.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget, Councillor Anne Western said: “We’re really pleased Great Bear has chosen to build a second distribution centre at Markham Vale bringing a further 400 jobs.

“It shows great confidence in the site’s location and in Derbyshire as a place where businesses thrive and grow.

“We’re very proud of Markham’s progress to date – it’s now home to 40 businesses and has brought over 900 to jobs to the area so far.”

When Great Bear’s second distribution unit is complete, the firm will occupy just under one million sq.ft of land at Markham Vale making them the largest business on the site to date.

Vivienne Clement, Director at Henry Boot Developments said: “This second investment by Great Bear is a testament to our successful approach to the delivery of high quality, bespoke buildings at Markham Vale.

“The new unit will join the 225,000 sq ft unit currently under construction for Ferdinand Bilstein UK on Markham Vale North, which is due to be completed in January 2017.”

Existing occupiers at Markham Vale include, Meter Provida, inspirepac, Gould Alloys, AW Repair Group, MSE Hiller, Squadron Medical, Industrial Ancillaries, Andrew Page, Holdsworth Foods and Ready Egg Products.

Businesses interested in acquiring premises at the site can contact the Head of Markham Vale, Peter Storey on 01629 535417 for more information or visit www.markhamvale.co.uk