#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2021-04-08

VF to begin operations at new state-of-the-art UK fulfilment centre

VF Corporation, through its local subsidiary VF Northern Europe Limited, today announced it has begun operations at its new multimillion pound fulfilment centre in Bardon, Leicestershire, employing approximately 250 people during peak periods.

• 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.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.

Carrington Textiles publishes third Sustainability Report

Carrington Textiles has announced the publication of the third Sustainability Report from the RTS Textiles Group, highlighting another year of progress towards more responsible manufacturing across its global operations. The report outlines continued investment in technologies and initiatives designed to improve environmental performance and support long-term business resilience across the Group’s manufacturing facilities in the UK, Portugal and Pakistan.

YKK develops concept EXCELLA® zipper tape using nonwoven fabric partially derived from used clothing

YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials. Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris highlights evolving global sourcing landscape

From 31 August to 2 September 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will bring together more than 1,000 international exhibitors at Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. This edition reflects the new global balance of textile and apparel sourcing, highlighting a strong diversity of sourcing countries — some unexpected.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.