L-R: Paul Barber, Managing Director of Wynyard Park, Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton Council, Tony Barnes, Managing Director of Sladen Estates, John Wood, Chairman of Tolent Construction and Gordon Hewling, a director of project managers GVA.
The 350,000 sq ft unit on Wynyard Park is to be run by Leeds-based Clipper Logistics who will distribute clothing for George at Asda.
Clipper Logistics and Asda are jointly investing around £15 million in fitting out the unit to create a state-of-the-art garment processing facility.
It is estimated that between 400 and 500 people will be employed on the site once it becomes fully operational -scheduled for September next year – and many other jobs will be created during construction.
The development – one of the largest pre-let industrial deals in the North-East for many years – is a joint venture between British Airways Pension Trustees Limited and Sladen Estates Limited.
It has been hailed as a massive boost for the local economy and, in particular, 700-acre Wynyard Park which continues to boom despite the global economic downturn.
Paul Barber, Managing Director of Wynyard Park Ltd, said: “We are delighted that Wynyard Park has been chosen as the site for this development as it will bring huge benefits to the local area, both in terms of jobs and investment.
“I’m sure that our prime location with easy access to the main road network, including the A19 and A1, was a key consideration, along with the range of support services that we offer.
Councillor Bob Cook, the leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, also welcomed the development, saying: “It is fantastic to see such significant investment from yet another major company, bringing with it hundreds of new jobs.
“Our borough has so much to offer businesses and we are working closely with our private sector partners to raise its profile and attract new business development. Announcements such as this are supporting our vision for the on-going regeneration of Stockton Borough and the wider Tees Valley – it is certainly an exciting time to live and work here.”
Mr Barber added: “This development caps a strong year for Wynyard Park which is a remarkable achievement given the state of the global economy. We have achieved some notable successes in terms of attracting new companies and we continue to receive regular enquiries. We have also made significant progress in developing our site in line with our wider vision of creating a flagship sustainable mixed community where people both live and work.”
Earlier this year, Huntsman, one of the world’s leading chemical companies, announced plans to create a new global business centre for its pigments division at Wynyard Park, relocating around 300 staff from Wilton and Haverton Hill.
Tony Mannix, Managing Director of Clipper Logistics, said: “Wynyard Park offers an excellent location for the new facility and we have been working with Sladen Estates over the last six months to ensure the building is designed to meet all of our needs.
“The unit will initially serve the needs of one of our major clients, George at Asda, and will then be further developed to accommodate other shared use customers, creating much-needed new employment in the area.”