Carlsberg Britvic is to invest £4 million into a new South Staffordshire depot forming an ‘exciting new milestone’ in its growth strategy.
The drinks company has been announced as the first occupier at the West Midlands Interchange (WMI), a £1 billion logistics project on land west of Junction 12 of the M6 at Four Ashes near to Cannock.
The new 222,000 sq ft unit will be purpose-built to Carlsberg Britvic’s requirements and will support the firm’s ambitions for its UK logistics footprint while laying the foundation for future growth.
It is the latest development in continued investment in the company’s UK operations as it has already committed over £6 million to upgrading its brewery in Burton upon Trent.
Paul Davies, CEO of Carlsberg Britvic, said: “This investment underscores our long-term commitment to strengthening our operations and enhancing service to our customers. The new facility will be a massive investment in the region, providing a new base for our depot team in Wolverhampton.”
The hub is being developed by global real estate investor, developer and manager Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners (LCP).
Carlsberg Britvic’s depot is designed with a focus on energy efficiency and building performance. It is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard and will be a Net Zero Carbon Aligned building based on the pilot UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard, while the roofs will be 100 per cent optimised for PV panels.
Robin Everall, Head of Development at Oxford Properties, added: “Attracting Carlsberg Britvic as the first occupier at West Midlands Interchange is a significant milestone for the project, underlining the quality of the offer we are creating and the importance of its location.
“The bringing together of the UK’s largest multi-beverage supplier and one of the most important logistics developments in the country will deliver a significant boost to the regional and national economy.”
James Markby, Managing Partner at LCP, said: “Our agreement with Carlsberg Britvic demonstrates the wider confidence in the strategic success of West Midlands Interchange.
“The WMI site is set to become the country’s most significant rail served logistics development and will become a crucial component of the UK’s strategic freight network. It will be key to decarbonising UK logistics and supporting the country’s wider net zero aspirations.
“WMI will make a significant contribution to the local economy, creating 8500 direct jobs and boosting opportunities for people in South Staffordshire, the Black Country, the West Midlands, and other surrounding areas.
“We look forward to announcing more occupiers in future months.”
Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE said: “The UK is open for business and Carlsberg Britvic’s major investment is the latest vote of confidence in our economy, delivering economic growth and showing our Plan for Change is working.
“This new logistics depot in the West Midlands will not only boost the UK’s logistics sector but help deliver the long-term, stable growth that supports skilled jobs and raises living standards across the UK.”
- Carlsberg Britvic was formed in 2024 through the merger of Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company and Britvic plc in the UK.
