£Multi-Million Expansion Underlines JD Sports’ Confidence in Rochdale

Posted by on 1 May 2015

JD Sports Fashion plc has just completed a multi-million-pound expansion of the warehouse facilities at its distribution centre on Rochdale’s Kingsway Business Park.

Through the construction of four fixed mezzanine floors at the Kingsway site, the leading retailer and distributor of branded sportswear and fashionwear has increased its warehousing capability by more than 600,000 sq. ft. to 1.45 million sq. ft. in total.

With this increase in warehouse space driven by soaring demand for JD Sports Fashion plc’s sports, fashion and outdoor goods (In the 12 months to January 2015, the plc’s total revenue increased by 25% to £1.52bn.), the group is not ruling out the possibility of expanding its Kingsway warehouse space further. Nor is it dismissing the likelihood of taking on additional employees in the near future.

Great news for Rochdale
“This is great news for JD Sports Fashion plc and great news for Rochdale,” comments the retailer’s Training Manager, Jamie McIntyre. “We currently employ over 1000 colleagues on JD contracts at Kingsway, boosted by agency staff depending on season and demand. We anticipate that our recent expansion on Kingsway Business Park, combined with increasing demand for our products, will lead to the creation of a significant number of new career opportunities.”

Job opportunities
A number of engineering and warehousing management systems specialists have also been recruited by JD Sports Fashion plc at Kingsway. The retailer has worked hard to ensure the majority of its colleagues are now employed on JD contracts. Training is also taking place to help ensure every colleague has the knowledge and ability to carry out their role effectively.

Promoted to Supervisor
As an example of JD Sports Fashion’s commitment to develop and promote employees who show the necessary enthusiasm and potential, the company has recently promoted Chris Simcock, from Rochdale, to the position of Supervisor in Kingsway’s busy dispatch department.

Chris started working at the distribution centre as a Warehouse Operative in September 2012. By April 2013 he had been promoted to the role of Training Instructor – training new colleagues on operational tasks as well as health & safety. In July 2014, Chris was promoted to his current role. “It was great to be recognised for my efforts,” says Chris. “JD rewards commitment and provides the training necessary to take on new and exciting challenges.”

Committed to Rochdale
“We are delighted that through this significant expansion programme, JD Sports Fashion plc has once again shown its commitment to Rochdale and to the local workforce,” comments Carol Hopkins of Rochdale Development Agency. “Located alongside the M62, Kingsway Business Park provides an enviable base for organisations that require easy access to the UK motorway network – organisations such as JD Sports.”