John tours new Aldi distribution centre in Goldthorpe

MP John Healey was given a sneak preview of Aldi’s new distribution centre in Goldthorpe yesterday (13th November) to learn about the hundreds of new jobs created within the region.

Mr Healey was given a tour of the offices and distribution centre by Aldi, who discussed the benefits of the new facility, Aldi’s plans to recruit new members of staff locally and the training opportunities provided for staff.

Aldi now aims to create up to 500 new jobs for the distribution centre, which is due to open officially in March 2015, an increase on the original estimate of 400 staff. The centre will be Aldi’s largest in the UK at 52,000 sqm in size and will serve Aldi’s growing portfolio of stores in Yorkshire and the East of England.

Aldi also discussed its plans with Mr Healey for the grand opening of the distribution centre next year and its on-going commitments to the local community in Barnsley and Goldthorpe.

Aldi’s new regional offices and distribution centre has delivered 40 office-based positions in the Goldthorpe area, and the ongoing recruitment of more than 250 warehouse staff and 100 transportation staff will take place during the next three months, with start dates between January and March 2015.

Plans have also been submitted for a new Aldi store on Barnsley Road in Goldthorpe, close to the distribution centre, which would create an additional 40 new jobs during 2015.

An Aldi spokesperson commented: “Our Goldthorpe hub is a crucial part of Aldi’s on-going expansion across Yorkshire, which will allow us to handle a greater number of stores. We were pleased to invite John Healey to visit the facility, to talk through our local recruitment strategy and the training and development opportunities which we offer our staff.”

Mr Healey said: “The scale of the site and the potential operation were extremely impressive, as is Aldi’s commitment to employing local people. This is a very important boost to our area.

“The distribution centre is set to be at the centre of their operations for a large part of the north and will support their programme of expanding stores.

“I was pleased to hear Aldi say they received very strong support from our local councils and that backing from local residents has been equally strong in community consultations.

“All jobs are permanent, there are no zero-hour contracts and the lowest paid warehouse operative will receive an hourly rate that is above the living wage.”

More information on all roles at Aldi can be found at www.aldirecruitment.co.uk.