THE arrival of a new logistics centre on the outskirts of Southampton could bring 200 new jobs to the area.

Major US firm PFSweb is to take a large unit at Mountpark, on the former Ford site, currently being redeveloped as an industrial estate.

Mountpark Logistics has leased the 107,392sqft unit – which is nearing completion – to PFSweb for its new UK fulfilment distribution centre.

PFS is an order fulfilment and customer service provider, processing and shipping orders for other businesses, managing their inventories and running their digital marketing.

Big-name customers of PFSweb include: Asics, Barbour, Pandora, L’Oreal, Clarins, Giorgio Armani, Lancome, Lindt, and Elizabeth Arden.

A spokesman for the company said the new centre would start operation in the fourth quarter of 2018 with 30 staff but that figure could rise to 200 when it reached full capacity.

Since 1999 PFS, has operated a centralised European fulfilment centre out of Liège in Belgium.

Now it’s looking to expand its UK operation and chose the Mountpark site for its UK logistics centre because of its proximity to the airport, M27 motorway and docks.

“Mountpark Southampton is an ideal location for PFSWeb as we expand our UK business,” said Zach Thomann, senior vice president and PFS general manager.

The logistics centre is one of four units, totalling 346,620sqft, which Mountpark is building speculatively as the second phase of the former Ford Transit factory site in Swaythling.

Units in the first phase have already been taken by CooperVision, Berendsen and Murrays health & Beauty.

“This is the fourth speculative building we have let before practical completion at Mountpark Southampton and the site is proving to be an ideal logistics location,” said Tom Kilmister, development director, Mountpark UK and Ireland.

“We are delighted that this new building suits PFSweb’s requirements and we look forward to welcoming them as the first occupiers on phase two of the development.”

Mountpark Logistics EU Sarl is a Joint Venture between USAA Realco-Europe Holdco, BV, the Dutch subsidiary of USAA Real Estate and Mountpark Finco Sarl (Mountpark).