GENSOCIAL
The future of FedEx’s North Staffordshire base has been brought into question after the building it operates from was put on the market.
FedEx UK has been working out of a base on the Parkhouse East Industrial Estate in Newcastle-under-Lyme since 2006.
It took over the site following its acquisition of express transport firm ANC Holdings Ltd 14 years ago and rebranded it as FedEx UK.
The site is also home to one of only two FedEx parcel sortation hubs in England – the other is located at Marston Gate, Milton Keynes.
But now To Let signs have been installed at the 9.45-acre site.
A FedEx spokesman revealed that the company is approaching the end of its lease – on February 1, 2021 – and is in negotiation with the landlord.
But they have refused to rule out whether FedEx is looking to relocate outside of North Staffordshire.
The spokesman said: “We are aware of the to let/for sale sign at the FedEx location on the Parkhouse Industrial Estate in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
“We have come to the end of our current lease and we are in negotiations with the landlord, as these conversations are ongoing we are unable to provide further details at this time.”
It is believed that hundreds of people are employed at the site.
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Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP chairman Alun Rogers has pledged his support to those who may find themselves out of work.
He said: “Any uncertainty around people’s jobs is a concern to us and while we don’t yet know of the company’s plans, we very much hope it remains here in Staffordshire. We believe Newcastle and Staffordshire are ideal locations for logistics firms due to our excellent connectivity and local workforce.
“If the company does relocate, we will do all we can with our partners to ensure there is easily accessible support to affected employees if they need to find alternative employment or training.”
