Technology-led logistics company Advanced Supply Chain (ASC) is investing £60million in establishing a new European operating facility in Nettetal, Germany in a move that will create 400 new jobs over the next three years.

Part of Reconomy, a leading provider of tech-enabled solutions for the circular economy, ASC delivers a range of supply chain services for leading retailers and consumer brands. The company develops specialist software in-house to provide value-added services covering pre-retail, returns processing, fulfilment, wholesale distribution, and transportation.

The company pinpointed Nettetal as the prime location to support its existing sites and its ongoing expansion, with the new 21,647 sqm European operating facility opening in July 2023. This forms part of ASC’s plans to open a new logistics and fulfilment centre in Bradford, UK in September 2023, and a new site in Poland by the end of 2027.

The Nettetal facility was developed by logistics real estate specialist Verdion for its European logistics fund VELF1, which focusses on urban logistics in strategic locations.

150 new jobs will be created at the new facility during the first year, with this rising to 400 jobs by the end of 2026. Low carbon technology including a photovoltaic system will be utilised at the new facility, which also has 12 electric vehicle charging stations.

Ben Balfour, COO at ASC, said: “Opening in Nettetal will provide retailers and consumer brands throughout Germany and Europe with access to our full range of solutions for optimising their omni-channel supply chains. Our industry-leading technology can enhance supply chain visibility, effectively integrate multiple sales and returns channels, and deliver rich data that helps inform much more strategic decision making.

“We develop bespoke supply chain management software, solutions, and strategies to improve the efficiencies and effectiveness of stock inventory management. This enables our customers to maximise margins, grow retail channels and maximise sales opportunities.”

Ben Balfour concludes: “Expanding in Nettetal is part of our mission for supporting customers’ goals to maximise the value of their supply chains. For example, the new operating facility provides retailers with the ability to process European customer returns much closer to the point of sale. This can help to reduce supply chain mileage, cut carbon emissions, and generate new financial savings that benefit the overall feasibility of customer returns and avoid margin dilution.

“Investing in Germany will help keep us ahead of the demand for our technology-led supply chain solutions, and support ASC’s future expansion across Europe and internationally.”

The Nettetal facility represents another major investment by Reconomy in the global capabilities of its Re-use division, which consists of ASC and omnichannel returns management specialists, ReBound.