Aldi and variety discounter B&M are both set to open vast new distribution centres near Bedford, creating 1,400 new jobs in the area.
Planning permission has been granted for an 800,000 sq ft Aldi facility and one million sq ft B&M site, both due to open in 2019 at Elstow, south of Bedford.
B&M’s DC is expected to create 1,000 jobs and Aldi’s 400.
“Our continued nationwide growth has allowed us to invest approximately £100m in what will be one of the largest distribution facilities in the UK,” said B&M Retail’s chief executive Simon Arora. “We are delighted to be coming to Bedford and will be recruiting in 2019 as the building approaches completion.”
Aldi UK and Ireland CEO Matthew Barnes said the new DC was part of the discounter’s “long-term ambition of 1,000 UK stores by 2022”.
“We look forward to starting work on the site in due course, and will keep the community updated on developments and recruitment opportunities,” he said.
Bedford Borough mayor Dave Hodgson said: “These two major facilities will provide a variety of different employment opportunities amongst the 1,400 new jobs.”
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