Type=image;ImageID=7873;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Wiggle celebrated official opening of Bilston distribution centre;TitleClass=strong;
Wiggle's Chief Executive, Stefan Barden oversaw proceedings at the Citadel Logistics Centre following the company's relocation from Portsmouth to Wolverhampton.
The 150 mile move to Wolverhampton was 2 years in the making and was initiated to support scalability in line with Wiggle's successive years of record breaking sales and revenue growth.
The new site provides 30,000 square metres of distribution space, which is 3 times the size of the previous facility and is roughly 3 times the size of a rugby pitch, and 6 times the size of a velodrome.
Wiggle is renowned for its exceptional knowledge, attention to detail and customer service, and will now be even better positioned to deliver unrivalled service from the new Citadel Logistics Centre.
Situated 2 miles from the M6 and 6 miles from the M5, the warehouse boasts 95 lorry parking spaces and 32 loading bays. Excellent dual carriageway access enables Wiggle to compete in the national and international markets through excellent road, rail and air links.
Wiggle's move has provided a jobs boost for the West Midlands, through the creation of over 150 local jobs, with 80% of the initial workforce from Wolverhampton. Wiggle General Manager Andy Urwin, who has West Midlands roots, will lead operations at the new site.
Barden said: "We are very proud to officially open our new distribution service and would like to thank the City of Wolverhampton Council, Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, Black Country Consortium and everybody who has been involved in making the move happen over the past 2 years.
"This opening also sees the beginning of a new chapter for Wiggle, as we focus on expanding the brand internationally whilst maintaining our excellent service and technical knowledge in our home territory. This site enables us to use our scale to lower our costs which we will in turn invest in ever improving market leading service for our customers."
Nick Pink, Operations Director at Wiggle, added: "Over the last 3 to 4 years we have seen 15% to 20% annual volume growth, and we are investing in this site to support that continued level of organic growth in the future. We are here for the long term."
Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Assets, said: "Having a leading national brand like Wiggle in the city is huge and has already delivered further investment and new jobs for Wolverhampton people.
"The council has worked closely to make the company's move as smooth as possible and the regeneration of the Citadel building in Bilston is a very satisfying sight.
"We have supported Wiggle in terms of recruitment, with 80% of its initial Wolverhampton workforce recruited from the city.
"We also hope having a company with sport as its driver will inspire people here to become more active and lead healthy lifestyles.
"Wiggle's move to this area will also add to Bilston's multi million pound regeneration, which entails new homes, leisure and business development."
Stewart Towe, Chair of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, added: "We are delighted we have been able to support Wiggle to expand into Wolverhampton and look forward to working with them in the future."
- released: Monday 28 September, 2015