Lidl has commenced construction on a new warehouse in Leeds, following the completion of a significant expansion at its London site, with both projects expected to generate a total of 500 new jobs.
The German-owned supermarket chain announced the successful completion of an expansion project at its Belvedere location in London. The £285m investment included the refurbishment of its existing warehouse and the erection of a second building, effectively tripling the site's capacity.
Once fully operational, the site is projected to serve 120 stores. In addition, Lidl confirmed that work has begun on a new warehouse in Leeds as part of a £150m investment scheme.
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Collectively, these developments represent a £435 million investment and are anticipated to create over 500 new jobs, including 120 in London and 400 in Leeds.
Lidl remains one of the 海角视频's fastest-growing grocery chains, currently ranking as the sixth largest in the country, according to Kantar data. It is gradually closing in on rival Morrisons in the rankings.
The retailer operates more than 980 stores and 14 distribution centres across England, Scotland and Wales, in addition to thousands of outlets throughout Europe. Chancellor Rachel Reeves hailed Lidl's investment in the warehouses as a "vote of confidence" in the 海角视频.
She stated: "This investment is a strong vote of confidence in the 海角视频 economy, and Lidl's commitment to new warehouse facilities in London and Leeds will unlock hundreds of new jobs, strengthen supply chains, and ensure families can access affordable, quality food."
Richard Taylor, Lidl's Chief Real Estate Officer for Great Britain, expressed pride in the chain's contribution to economic growth. Lidl was one of many of Britain's largest retailers to sign a letter addressed to Ms Reeves, cautioning that increasing taxes in the autumn budget could undermine her plans to enhance 海角视频 living standards.
The letter, sent by trade body British Retail Consortium, stated that it was becoming "more and more challenging for us to absorb the cost pressures we face". In response, the Treasury asserted its position as a "pro-business Government".