By Mark Andrews

Copyright expressandstar

A ground-breaking ceremony took place to mark the beginning of work on Carlsberg Britvic’s £4 million new depot at the West Midlands Interchange in Four Ashes.

The brewing giant’s 222,000 sq ft regional distribution centre is the first unit at the £2 billion rail-freight terminal, and is expected to support hundreds of jobs.

The news comes weeks after the company ended production at the 150-year-old Banks’s brewery in Chapel Ash,.Wolverhampton. Distribution services will continue from this site until the new depot is complete late next year.

The new depot, purpose-built to Carlsberg Britvic’s requirements, is designed to use net zero carbon, with energy coming from solar panels on the roof.

Senior leaders from Carlsberg Britvic, Oxford Properties, and Logistics Capital Partners were joined at the launch ceremony by South Staffordshire Council leader Councillor Kath Perry,

Carlsberg Britvic director David Bodily said the centre would play an important role in the company’s distribution network, and would be operation from the end of next year.

“This is a very special moment for the development as work begins, and we are proud to take part and mark the occasion,” he said.

“Our new depot will provide a fantastic long-term hub for our people and reinforces the West Midlands role as a key centre for logistics in the UK, helping to drive growth and excellence.”

Robin Everall, Head of Development at Oxford Properties, said attracting a ‘blue chip’ business of Carlsberg Britvic’s stature was a milestone for the development, close to the M6 island at Gailey.

James Markby, managing partner at Logistics Capital lPartners, said West Midlands Interchange was set to become the country’s most significant rail-served freight development, and would become a crucial component of the UK’s strategic transport network, as well as supporting the Government’s net-zero targets.

“It will also make a significant contribution to the local economy, creating 8,500 direct jobs and boosting opportunities for people in South Staffordshire, the Black Country, the West Midlands, and other surrounding areas,” he said.

“We look forward to announcing occupiers of other units in future months, and working with these organisations to move into construction and operation.”