#Textiles & Apparel / Garment
VF to begin operations at new state-of-the-art UK fulfilment centre
• Located in Bardon, Leicestershire, operations will begin on 6 April 2021, for three iconic VF brands - The North Face®, Timberland® and Vans®
• It will employ approximately 250 people during peak periods
• As the main fulfilment centre in the UK, it is also the most technologically-advanced, serving almost 90% of the UK market within a day
• It forms part of the company’s wider investment strategy to enable long-term growth in the UK, transforming its supply chain model
The new 600,000 sq. ft. centre, which is the equivalent of 10 football pitches, will feature state-of-the-art automation capabilities putting it at the forefront of the footwear and apparel industry. It will enable VF to provide more efficient distribution services for its brands' wholesale, ecommerce and retail customers in the UK – serving almost 90% of the market within a day. Speed and efficiency are the centre’s core attributes 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 centre builds on VF’s significant investment in the UK in the past two years. In 2019, VF Axtell House launched its new business hub, this was followed closely by the opening of new Timberland® and Vans® flagship stores in London.
The new centre has been designed to reflect VF’s sustainability commitments. The building features innovative systems to significantly reduce its impact on the surrounding environment. A number of green technologies including low water usage fittings and electric solar gain devices have been installed to reduce energy and heat waste. The building design has also achieved a BREEAM ‘Outstanding Rating’.
Martino Scabbia Guerrini, VF’s President of the EMEA Region commented: “We are extremely proud to mark the opening of the VF’s most technologically advanced fulfilment centre in the region. 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.”
Darren Miller, VF’s Vice President, Supply Chain EMEA, added: “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.”
Matthew Hibberd, Director of Distribution commented: “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.”
Recruitment for the fulfilment centre began last year. A majority of the roles have been filled, with additional operator jobs added as volume increases throughout the year.
