Asda creates 400 new jobs in Rochdale

Rochdale is set to receive a boost to the local economy thanks to 400 jobs being created by the new £57.5m Asda Distribution Centre at Kingsway Business Park.

Set to officially open on the 8 November, the keys to the building were handed over last week, allowing the start of operations.

Occupying a 43.5 acre site, the major investment will create one of Europe’s largest single chilled distribution centres, boasting excellent carbon and energy saving features.

The project is a partnership between Asda and Wincanton, providers of award-winning supply chain services, and will future proof Asda’s supply chain in the region. New colleagues at the distribution centre will benefit from amenities including a restaurant serving locally sourced produce and a gym.

Wincanton has worked closely with Rochdale Borough Council to successfully recruit local people for the new roles, meaning that although the new site will initially support 49 Asda stores across the M62 corridor and have the capacity to support growth beyond 2030, it will have a truly local footprint.

Over 2,000 applications and CVs have been received for positions at the new site, and we’ve worked with local employment support organisations to ensure that those out of work were encouraged and supported to apply for vacancies.

The 180 recruited so far, 75% from the borough of Rochdale, have completed their training and will be moving into the new building this week to ensure that they can play their part in helping to deliver Christmas – the busiest time of year for Asda.

One recruit is Terry Ashworth who was previously unemployed for four years before finding work through Wincanton’s partnership with the Council. He said: "After being out of work for four years following the death of my parents, I am so grateful that Asda have chosen to invest in this area and in people like me - aged 60. I feel like I have got my life back and can start living again. It has meant the world to me."

Guy Elliott, Managing Director Contract Logistics at Wincanton, said: “I would like to thank the team at Rochdale Borough Council for their fantastic support in helping us achieve our pledge of helping reduce long-term unemployment. This project is a vote of confidence in Rochdale’s ability to provide an excellent workforce and we are delighted to be working with Asda, delivering industry leading customer service from this amazing new distribution centre.” 

Asda Distribution Director, Ian Stansfield, said: "The Rochdale Distribution Centre will future proof our supply chain across the M62 corridor and will mean we provide first class logistics for our superstores and supermarkets. The real winners from this are our customers who will be assured of fully stocked and serviced stores and it’s excellent that the partnership has been able to work closely with the local Council to benefit the regional economy.”