Online electricals retailer AO has announced it is to recruit 250 new roles at its logistics hub in Crewe. The huge recruitment drive has been launched to manage the sustained demand created by customers turning to AO following the Covid-19 lockdown which has led to a shift from high street retail to online. Presenting fresh opportunities for people across Cheshire, the new jobs include both day and night shifts, alongside a variety of highly skilled roles.
Expanding its logistics network to further improve its offer to customers is pivotal to AO’s growth strategy, with the new roles playing an important part. AO has added over 225,000 sq ft of warehouse space in the last three months, with another new warehouse in Stafford due to open in August. Located on Redhill Business Park, the 115,000 sq ft of extra distribution space will mean the business can continue to meet customer demand whilst operating safely.
David Ashwell, MD of AO Logistics, said: “We’ve been quick to adapt to meet increased customer demand and we’re investing in the future, adding more space and hundreds of new, quality jobs for people in Cheshire and Staffordshire. We’re proud to be a growing local employer with a history of creating careers in phenomenal business where the sky is the limit.”
“Every one of the new recruits will also be part of AO’s recently announced incentive scheme, the Value Creation Plan. The revolutionary new scheme is the first of its kind in the UK and will give every AO-er the opportunity to earn around one times’ salary linked to the business’ success over the next five years.”
“We’ve proudly provided a lifeline to customers during Covid and a safe working environment for our people. Now, we’re doubling down on our expertise and infrastructure to make sure that we’re in a great position to cement the changes and keep serving customers brilliantly moving out of lockdown.”
Ben Tesla, Operations Manager at AO Logistics, joined the business in 2013 as a Warehouse Operative. Seven years later, Ben now manages a team of over 400 and runs the night shift in Crewe. Ben said: “When I joined AO, I never expected to build a career here but the opportunities I’ve been given have enabled me to learn and grow on the job. I couldn’t recommend AO enough as place to work.”
AO has adapted its ways of working to comply with changing Covid-19 guidance and introduced safety measures to protect employees and drivers in operational roles.
Sarah Ratcliffe, commercial property partner at Yorkshire law firm Gordons, advised AO on the lease negotiations for the warehouse.
AO.com acquired the two-person delivery company, formerly Expert Logistics, in 2009, and it now offers next day delivery to every UK postcode seven days a week on its range of 12,000 electrical products.