Amazon has unveiled plans for a new warehouse in Rugby that will create 400 jobs as part of the internet giant’s efforts to meet growing customer demand.

The online retailer said it has started recruiting managers, engineers, HR and IT specialists, with factory floor recruitment to begin in the coming weeks.

Rugby will be the fourth Amazon fulfilment centre in the Midlands, alongside warehouses in Coalville, Daventry and Rugeley.

Stefano Perego, Amazon’s director of customer fulfilment, said: “We are delighted to expand our operations in the Midlands where we already have a dedicated workforce of more than 2,500 people.

“We are thrilled to begin recruitment for 400 new permanent roles in Rugby with competitive wages and comprehensive benefits starting on day one.”

Amazon fulfillment centre
Amazon is growing its warehouse network as demand soars (PA)

The move will see Amazon add to its burgeoning UK workforce, which totals over 24,000, and comes amid a drive to get more SMEs selling on Amazon Marketplace.

In addition to Rugby, Amazon plans to open three further new fulfilment centres in 2018 in Bristol, Bolton and Coventry.

Amazon claims to have invested £6.4 billion in the UK since 2010 on research and development, head office functions and fulfilment and logistics infrastructure.

Mark Pawey, Tory MP for Rugby, said: “I was very pleased to learn that such a substantial and well known business such as Amazon had chosen Rugby for their new fulfilment centre.

“The decision demonstrates the ever increasing strength of our thriving local economy and the confidence that business has in our area.”