Online fashion and cosmetics retailer Asos has announced plans to invest £90 million into a new distribution hub in the West Midlands which will create up to 2,000 jobs.
The company will house the fulfilment centre in a 437,000 sq ft unit on Fradley Park, north east of Lichfield, after agreeing a 15-lease deal with landlord AEW and Allianz Real Estate.
Asos said today the centre would become operational within 12 months and would reach peak trade in 2023.
Chief executive Nick Beighton said: "We're thrilled to be laying down the foundations for our future growth in Lichfield.
"This significant investment in infrastructure and large-scale job creation is a reflection of the confidence Asos has in its future and the quality of the skills and talent available in this well-placed location.
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"When fully up and running in 2023, the site will support our ever-increasing customer demand and enable us to develop our offerings and delivery capabilities even further."
Business Secretary Alok Sharma added: "Asos is a great British success story at the heart of our vibrant fashion industry and I welcome their clear vote of confidence in our skilled workforce.
"This job-creating investment in Lichfield is exactly the type of long-term commitment we need from businesses as we build back better from the pandemic."
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The Lichfield fulfilment centre will be Asos' fourth, joining sister sites in Barnsley, Berlin and Atlanta.
In the year to September 2020, Asos posted revenue of £3.26 billion and pre-tax profit of £142.1 million, an increase of 300 per cent.
Lichfield District Council leader Cllr Doug Pullen said: "The creation of so many new jobs in Lichfield is very welcome news, particularly at a time when business conditions are so tough nationally.
"Attracting a UK success story such as Asos into the district is clear evidence of the development opportunities we have to offer businesses of all shapes and sizes.
"We are looking forward to welcoming Asos as it gets established in the area and exploring opportunities for working together.".
Commercial property consultancies Avison Young, MWRE and Knight Frank acted on the deal.
