Aldi to open new regional distribution centre
3 September 2013
Discount grocer Aldi is to open a new regional distribution centre creating 160 jobs. The facility in Mitchelstown, Co Cork will have capacity to service 100 shops and was developed as part of the company’s plans to open new outlets across the country. It will primarily supply stores in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Clare, Mayo, Galway, Kilkenny and Wexford.
Giles Hurley, managing director for Aldi’s Mitchelstown region, said: "It is a crucial step that will help Aldi deliver on our current store expansion programme, which involves opening another 20 new stores in Ireland, so we can bring our value-for-money groceries to even more towns and cities across the country." It is Aldi’s second distribution centre in Ireland as the company pushes ahead with a three-year expansion programme that will see 20 new stores open and the creation of 300 new jobs. The announcement brings to 460 the number of new jobs Aldi says it will create in Ireland over the next three years as it continues to invest in Ireland.
Built on a 13 hectare site, the new state-of-the-art 59,535 square metre Mitchelstown Regional Distribution Centre will be Aldi’s second major distribution hub in Ireland. It features office space along with ambient and temperature controlled (chiller and freezer) warehousing facilities. With over 70 loading bays it has the capacity to service in excess of 100 Aldi stores. Aldi says it expects that as the company’s store expansion program continues, employee numbers at the distribution centre will also continue to grow.
Commenting, Niall O’Connor, group buying director Aldi Stores (Ireland), said: "The continued growth and expansion of our Irish operations is great news for our Irish farmers and producers, as we look to support their business and help them grow in tandem with ours. Since opening our first Irish stores we have adopted a localised approach to sourcing our product range, building long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with Irish producers, some of whom we have traded with for over 10 years, such as Iverk Produce, Irish Yogurts and Callan Bacon. Our dedicated Irish buying team is always on the look-out for companies who can produce, high quality, innovative, Irish-made products. Our door is always open to Irish producers interested in trading with Aldi." Aldi experienced 26.6% growth in sales for the 12 week period ending 18 August, increasing its share of the Irish grocery market to 7.4%.
Fans 0
Followers