Drinks giant first occupier of huge logistics hub

The company said it would leave its base in Wolverhampton "as part of a managed transition" once the site opened from autumn 2026

Carlsberg Britvic, owner of Wolverhampton's Banks's brewery, says it is to relocate from the city to a new huge, purpose-built logistics hub by the M6 motorway.

The drinks giant has been announced as the first occupier of the 222,000 sq ft West Midlands Interchange (WMI) based at junction 12 of the M6 in Staffordshire.

The company said it would leave its base in Wolverhampton "as part of a managed transition" once the site opened from autumn 2026.

Paul Davies, CEO of Carlsberg Britvic, said the £4m investment underscores their long-term commitment to "strengthening our operations" and our home within the region.

The new depot is under construction with on-site work starting in October 2023.

Developers Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners (LCP) said it will have state-of-the-art facilities and aim to a "net zero carbon aligned building", with roofs "optimised" for PV panels.

The facility will create 8,500 jobs for people in South Staffordshire, the Black Country, the West Midlands and other surrounding areas, developers said as building work began, as well as including a key strategic rail freight interchange.

James Markby, managing partner at LCP, said the site will become "the country's most significant rail-served logistics development" and a crucial component of the UK's strategic freight network.

"It will be key to decarbonising UK logistics and supporting the country's wider net zero aspirations," he added.

Carlsberg Britvic said the announcement added to its continued investment in its UK operations, having already committed more than £6m to upgrading its Burton Brewery.

"The new facility will be a massive investment in the region, providing a new base for our depot team in Wolverhampton," Mr Davies added.

"The West Midlands Interchange provides an ideal location for our new depot, enabling us to future-proof our logistics infrastructure and build for sustainable growth."

The drinks company formed in 2024 through the merger of Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company (CMBC) and Britvic.

In October plans were announced to close Banks's Brewery in Wolverhampton after 150 years in operation as part of a restructuring of CMBC.

A month later the firm was accused by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) of "wiping out UK brewing heritage" following it decision to cut a number of beers sold in pubs, including classic ales Banks's Mild and Bombardier,