Post by matt on Apr 21, 2004 6:09:55 GMT -5
A global media giant is planning to build a multi-million pound printing complex in Liverpool, creating 1,000 jobs.
A subsidiary of German corporation Bertelsmann wants to build a huge printing plant and call centre in Speke.
Arvato plans to develop the 500,000sq ft complex on the banks of the River Mersey near Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
The Daily Post understands the development would create 1,000 jobs in the long term and would provide a huge boost to the regeneration of south Liverpool.
Arvato last night confirmed it had identified two possible UK sites for a plant which would print magazines and catalogues.
Sources close to the negotiations last night told the Daily Post that the company has now made it clear that the Liverpool site is its preferred option.
It is believed the printing facility would occupy around 420,000sq ft and the call centre 80,000sq ft.
Cllr Frank Roderick, a member of the Speke Garston Partnership board, said: "This is fabulous, wonderful news.
"It again shows the faith that companies have in Speke and Garston. About five or six years ago there was 23% unemployment.
"Now it is down to 6% and that is because of companies like Bertelsmann coming in and setting up business."
An Arvato spokesman last night said an official announcement was expected within weeks.
He said: "There hasn't been any final decision yet. We are still in negotiations.
"We are presently looking at whether it makes economic sense to build up printing operations in the UK.
"Two sites have been identified but we cannot comment on specifics. There will be an official announcement by the end of May."
Bertelsmann's publishing subsidiaries include the world's largest book publishing group, Random House and Europe's biggest magazine publisher, Gruner & Jahr. Arvato Services run a call centre in Liverpool's Cunard Building and recently doubled its workforce to 800 people.
The company provides a range of support functions for businesses such as call centre management, e-commerce, data and print management, distribution and financial services. Clients include Everton FC and Microsoft.
The plant and call centre will be the first development of the second phase of the Estuary Commerce Park.
A spokeswoman for the North West Development Agency declined to comment. Liverpool Land Development Company, the body responsible for developing the riverside site, and Peel Holdings, which owns the site, both also declined to comment.
