Ferdinand Bilstein investing £40m in Markham Vale expansion

Ferdinand Bilstein UK has announced a £40 million investment in a major extension to its Markham Vale distribution centre, supporting the continued expansion of its febi and Blue Print brands.

Once complete, the total warehouse area will increase by almost 50 per cent, from approximately 199,000 sq. ft. to nearly 297,000 sq. ft.

This will include approximately 80,000 sq. ft. of new warehouse space and more than 17,000 sq. ft. of additional mezzanine space, providing further capacity for the site’s future operations.

The company said the additional space will significantly increase stock-holding capacity, providing room for more than 100,000 additional small parts containers and almost tripling the number of pallet spaces available, from over 13,000 to more than 36,600.

Ferdinand Bilstein UK said the expansion will “transform the site into a facility valued at approximately £100 million upon completion”, enabling customers to source an even broader range of components from a single supplier.

“The additional capacity will give us the platform to extend our product offering, improve availability and support customers as their requirements evolve,” said Paul Dodgson, managing director of Ferdinand Bilstein UK Ltd.

According to the company, the project will build on the established technology and infrastructure already in place at Markham Vale.

The existing Witron automated logistics system will remain central to the operation, with additional automated storage aisles, workstations and conveyor infrastructure extending its capabilities.

The development will also complement the site’s existing renewable energy investment.

Markham Vale currently has 1,555 solar panels covering more than 3,000 m² of roof space, helping to generate clean energy for its operational and office facilities.

Planned to be delivered in phases from 2026 to 2028, the programme also includes investment in repack and pick-and-pack facilities, reception and staff areas, road infrastructure and parking.

It is expected to create around 100 new jobs and further strengthen bilstein group’s long-term presence in Chesterfield.

Part of the wider bilstein group, Ferdinand Bilstein UK Ltd supplies replacement parts for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and off-highway applications through its febi, Blue Print and SWAG product brands.