AO is opening its third warehouse in four months as it continues to expand its logistics network. The site is the company’s largest warehouse so far, adding over 275,000sq ft of distribution space to its portfolio with the premises at G-Park in Stoke-on-Trent.
In recent months, AO has acquired over half a million square feet of new warehousing space across Cheshire and Staffordshire to ensure it has the capacity to manage growing customer demand while allowing colleagues to work socially distanced and safely during the pandemic.
The fifth warehouse of the retail giant will create 120 new jobs; this is part of its nationwide recruitment drive for over 650 roles.
While the new site will be used primarily for distribution to AO’s 18 ‘local hub’ depots across the country, there are plans for a delivery depot in order to be closer to customers in that area.
MD of AO Logistics, David Ashwell, said: “Expanding our logistics network is a crucial step in our growth strategy, so we can continue to serve customers when they need us the most.
“We’ve really had to act quickly to adapt to an influx in customers following the COVID-19 lockdown. By actively securing more warehousing space and creating hundreds of new, quality jobs in the process, we’re working hard to invest in the future.”
He added that with the company’s latest distribution sites in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford, it has now established “a strong logistics hub” in the North West.
Mr Ashwell continued: “As a business, we’re proud to provide both an essential service for customers and a safe working environment for our people, with social distancing in place. Our team have continued to adapt to necessary changes and they are taking the swift expansion in their stride.”
The new site at G-Park also has some unique benefits; it uses rainwater harvesting to reduce water usage and enhanced skylights to make the most of natural light.
