All Change for Crewe has received a massive economic boost with the announcement by Cheshire East Council that nationally-renowned logistics firm Expert Logistics is relocating to the town.
This highly-successful and rapidly-expanding business has thrived and expanded throughout the recession and now has chosen to relocate to Crewe, as part of its future growth plans.
Acquired by DRL in 2009, Expert Logistics is a specialist white goods distribution company that handles deliveries for DRL online brands – Appliances Online and Appliance Deals – as well as high street giants such as Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and Argos.
Managing director of Expert Logistics Dave Ashwell said: “The company is currently operating from a number of smaller buildings, so the move to Crewe 360 will allow us to consolidate our distribution operations under one roof. This building is ideally suited to our business, since it gives us immediate access to the motorway network and its environmental credentials mean that it will be cost effective to run.”
The relocation to the 360,000sq ft Prologis warehouse development, on Weston Road, clearly demonstrates the confidence these ‘major players’ have in Crewe as a major contender in the economic future of not only Cheshire East but also that of the whole of the north west.
Prologis senior vice president Alan Sarjant, commenting on the deal, said: “With this agreement, we’ve almost completed the lease-up of our development portfolio in the UK. Because we understand our customers’ needs, we were able to provide Expert Logistics with a building that is ready to occupy.”
Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, Leader of Cheshire East Council, endorsed all these comments and added: “There is immense satisfaction in playing a role to help businesses to thrive and expand and Cheshire East’s role in facilitating this move is no exception.
“I would also like to thank Jobcentre Plus, which has provided significant support to facilitate the relocation. Expert Logistics will bring vibrancy to the area and will undoubtedly add to the rich tapestry of businesses in the area.
“The significant boost that this move has brought for All Change for Crewe is momentous and gives us fantastic momentum to market the area with growing confidence.”
Councillor Michael Jones, Cabinet member with responsibility for resources, welcomed the move. He said: “This is outstanding news. Our announcement today gives further visible and tangible evidence of the Council’s commitment to the sustainable economic development of Crewe.
“It is heartening that the confident speculation displayed by Prologis has clearly borne fruit, with such a prestigious firm as Expert Logistics choosing to relocate to their development in Crewe.”
Edward Timpson MP, a leading advocate for All Change for Crewe, echoed the deserved congratulations.
He said: “This is an exciting development for Crewe and a landmark event in bringing the All Change for Crewe vision to life. Crewe can offer massive potential for any expanding business and I am sure that Expert Logistics will go from strength to strength. By the very nature of its business, Crewe’s name will be showcased throughout the nation.
“I am also delighted that Expert Logistics will be bringing some 350 jobs to our area.”
Cheshire East Council has already put massive commitment into the regeneration of many town centres across Cheshire East, with the All Change for Crewe Concordat signed last November.
Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with lead responsibility for economic development and regeneration, added: “Expert Logistics relocation is a major step in realising the extensive development opportunities that exist in Crewe, including such sites as Basford. This is demonstrable and visible confirmation that we are actively achieving the ambition set out in All Change for Crewe.”
In addition, the short-term lease negotiated with Expert Logistics for the former Royal Mail site, to support the investment and transition process, was an important factor in its decision to relocate.
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