AN online supermarket has announced that it will be creating 700 permanent new jobs in Andover as it confirms that plans are on track for a distribution warehouse to be opened in the town early next year.

Ocado have confirmed that the highly advanced distribution warehouse is to be based on the Walworth Business Park and it will be home to 95 delivery vans, a dedicated tractor park and 22 trailers.

The customer fulfilment centre will be the third of its kind and will have an operating capacity of 70,000 orders per week.

The Andover site has been chosen because of its close proximity to the A303 and also because it will limit disturbance to the local community.

Julie Markey, Director of HR at Ocado said, “The opening of our third CFC marks a significant stage in the company’s development and we’re thrilled to announce the creation of 700 new permanent jobs in Andover as a result. We’ve been rapidly expanding our business over the past year, and these new recruits, at all levels, will be the driving force behind our next stage of growth.

“We’re committed to helping all our staff shape a long and exciting future at Ocado by providing them with the support and training they need. We plan to establish an Ocado Employee Council early on in Andover, as the opinions of our employees are really valuable to us and will help us with the set-up and running of our newest CFC. We also already have many schemes in place which recognise loyalty and commitment.”

Ocado have now opened the recruitment process for 700 permenent members of staff. To apply and for more information on the opportunities available, visit: www.ocado.com/careers.