Work has started on creating a new logistics hub for drinks giant Carlsberg Britvic.
The manufacturer is building the base on the new £2 billion West Midlands Interchange development near Cannock.
It was announced in July that Carlsberg Britvic had struck a deal to become the first occupier at the long-awaited logistics and distribution park.
The firm is investing £4 million into the site where it will occupy a 222,000 sq ft unit from late 2026.
This new facility is ten miles from its current base in Wolverhampton and deliveries from the current depot will continue as normal until the new base opens after which operations and staff will be transferred over.
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Carlsberg Britvic was formed last year through the merger of Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company and Britvic in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.
West Midlands Interchange is being built on 734 acres of land in Four Ashes, west of junction 12 of the M6.
It will connect with the West Coast Main Line, meaning goods at the site can be shifted off the motorway network and onto the railways.
The park, which is expected to create 8, 500 jobs, will have a total of eight million sq ft of logistics and warehouse space while 109 acres has been earmarked for two community parks.
There will also be a new link road connecting the project to the A5 and A449.
West Midlands Interchange is being delivered by investor and developer Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners and Winvic has been appointed as construction contractor on this first unit.
Senior staff from Carlsberg Britvic joined the development team and other dignitaries at an event to mark the start of work on site.
Property and facilities director David Bodily said: "The West Midlands Interchange will play an important role in Carlsberg Britvic's logistics network as the home to our West Midlands depot serving customers throughout the region.
"This is a very special moment for the development as work begins and we are proud to take part and mark the occasion.
"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 º£½ÇÊÓƵ, helping to drive growth and excellence."
Robin Everall, head of development at Oxford Properties, added: "This groundbreaking ceremony at the West Midlands Interchange is an important milestone in the development of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's foremost logistics hub, with its multi-modal transport connectivity and highly sustainable specifications attracting blue chip occupiers looking for bespoke warehouse space.
"We look forward to working with Carlsberg Britvic on the delivery of their new facility and welcoming them to the site once it's completed next year."
James Markby, managing partner at Logistics Capital Partners, said: "We are extremely happy to have taken this major step forward for the West Midlands Interchange development.
"We were very proud to secure Carlsberg Britvic as our first occupier recently and seeing work begin is another substantial event in our long-term ambitions."
