MP Rachel Reeves: Premier Farnell move from Armley ‘devastating’

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Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves has labelled Premier Farnell‘s proposed move from Armley as ‘devastating’ for the area.

The technology distributor says it has outgrown its current base, which it has occupied for more than 20 years, and is moving to the new Logic Leeds site, near Junction 45 of the M1.

Premier Farnell​ says it ​is now working with Leeds City Council to agree the future of the Armley site and to develop transport solutions for employees moving to the new site. It says it looked at staying at its current Armley Road base but could not find room to accommodate a warehouse.

But Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves has said she will fight to ensure that jobs remain in Armley. She said:

“Premier Farnell moving out of Armley is devastating news for a community that has supported and worked at the Armley warehouses for many years.

“I am in discussions with Leeds City Council, the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Premier Farnell to ensure that jobs remain in Armley and that local people working for Premier Farnell are able to access jobs at their new location.

“Armley needs more good quality jobs and investment – a point I have made repeatedly to the council and LEP and I will fight for urgent and meaningful action to deliver that investment.”

The new site is expected to be operational by late 2019 ​or early 2020.

Nick Wilkins, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Premier Farnell said:

“Premier Farnell has a strong history in the Leeds area and we have great confidence in the Yorkshire workforce. This new warehouse, with great transport links, retains jobs in the region and will allow us to grow to support market demand.”

 

Cllr Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, was pleased that the company was staying in Leeds. He said:

“It is great news that Premier Farnell is remaining in Leeds, protecting hundreds of jobs that could otherwise have been lost from the city. The council has worked hard with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to retain the company in the city, and are pleased that they have decided to make such a substantial investment giving a strong platform from which to grow their business moving forward.”



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