New Development at Markham Vale to Create 400 Jobs

Another major deal bringing up to 400 new jobs at Derbyshire County Council’s flagship regeneration site has been signed with car industry giants Ferdinand Bilstein UK.

Ferdinand Bilstein UK will be moving its current distribution operations in Kent and Pontefract to a new purpose-built distribution centre to benefit from better transport links to the site located just off junction 29A of the M1.

Established in Germany in 1844, the company operates worldwide producing, marketing and distributing car parts for a range of vehicle makes and models including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Land Rover and Ford.

Paul Dodgson, Operations Director at Ferdinand Bilstein UK said: “We made the decision to move to Markham Vale as the development offers excellent transport links to the main motorway network, which was a key requirement of ours.

“We also required a bespoke and high-quality building to fit with the company brand and ethos, and we were confident Henry Boot Developments and Derbyshire County Council could deliver this.

“Our relocation to Markham Vale was mainly due to how close we can be to some of our biggest UK customers. We are excited to become a part of this high-profile development.”

The building of the firm’s new 224,966 square feet distribution centre is set to be completed by December this year creating around 150 jobs initially and a further 250 to follow.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget Councillor Anne Western said: “This is more fantastic news for Markham especially following the announcement of Great Bear Distribution’s move to the site, which is also set to create up to 400 new jobs.

“We’re committed to building a strong economy in Derbyshire and Ferdinand Bilstein UK’s move to Markham will bring more business into the county.

“Markham is one of the jewels in our crown and we’re proud of its success and how it continues to grow.”

The firm’s new base will be built by the county council’s private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments.

Ben Ward, Director at Henry Boot Developments said: “We are extremely pleased that a deal has been agreed with Ferdinand Bilstein UK. The company has a fantastic track record and is a world leader in the automotive parts industry.

“We will be developing a high specification, bespoke distribution centre to fit with the company’s profile.

“This is the first deal we have agreed on Markham Vale North, which has a further 55 acres of land available for immediate development. We also have remaining plots available on the West and East sites.”

A series of drop-in events have been organised to update residents on the latest developments at Markham Vale – especially on the north site – which is currently being developed and where the new distribution operation for Ferdinand Bilstein UK will be.

Residents will be able to speak to representatives from the firm about the jobs available and staff from the county council and from Henry Boot will also be on hand at the events being held on:

• Wednesday 13 April, 3pm-7pm at the Albert Inn, Woodthorpe Road, Woodthorpe
• Wednesday 20 April, 3pm-7pm at Duckmanton Methodist Church, Duckmanton Road, Duckmanton
• Wednesday 27 April, 1.30pm-5.30pm at Poolsbrook Miners Welfare, Cottage Close, Poolsbrook