19/08/2002

MSVC set to create 200 jobs in County Kildare

The Republic of Ireland's largest grocery and food distributor has announced a multi-million euro investment programme which could lead to the creation of up to 200 jobs in Co Kildare.

Musgrave SuperValu-Centra (MSVC) has submitted a planning application to develop a new warehousing and distribution operation on a 21-acre site in Kilcock, Co Kildare. The development, which entails a €34 million investment, represents the biggest investment in distribution facilities on a single site in the south by the company.

The Kilcock distribution centre will provide up to 200 jobs locally, when fully operational, in addition to ancillary job creation during the development phase. The developers, Bennett Group and MSVC, aim to have the new distribution centre operational by mid-2004, subject to planning permission.

The new facility will comprise 150,000sqft of warehousing, loading bays, offices, canteen and associated facilities.

The Northern Ireland division of MSVC is nearing completion of a new £20 million 200,000sq ft warehousing, offices and distribution centre in Belfast Harbour, which will facilitate major growth of the retail franchise operation in the north.

Northern Ireland marketshare for SuperValu and Centra is in the region of 12%, whereas SuperValu and Centra currently account for 24% of the market for groceries in the Republic of Ireland, making the company the single largest player in the southern grocery market.

MSVC revealed the plans after achieving sustained growth and, according to annual reports, Group turnover for last year amounted to €2.27 billion, an increase of €258 million or 12.8% compared to 2000. Operating profit topped €57.3 million – an increase of 38.3% on the €41.4 million achieved in 2000.

Michael Nason, MSVC Managing Director, said: "An efficient supply chain and optimum service levels means our customers in SuperValu and Centra can compete effectively, offer better value, and can meet changing consumer needs, whether they're in a major urban centre or a small rural village."

MSVC is the retail franchise division of Musgrave Group and services 207 SuperValu and 364 Centra stores throughout the north and south of Ireland.

(GMcG)

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