HOURS after it was revealed clothing company Artigiano was closing its warehouse in Cowes, skincare business Liz Earle has said it is taking over the building.
Liz Earle confirmed today (Friday) it was making 25 people redundant following an organisational review, but has announced new jobs will result from its takeover of the clothing company's warehouse.
Liz Earle, which in November pulled out of a deal with the Isle of Wight Council to take over a site at Ryde Business Park, said it was a sign of its commitment to staying on the Isle of Wight.
A Liz Earle spokesman said: "The Liz Earle Beauty Company continues to experience rapid growth in its business resulting in an ever increasing need for additional space.
"The company’s fulfilment operations — warehousing and packaging — have outgrown the headquarters in Ryde, which are currently managed across five different locations on the Island.
"Accordingly the company, has for some time, been looking for a suitable site to house the fulfilment operation in one efficient facility to serve the company as it continues to grow.
"The company is delighted to announce that it has now secured a 33,000 sq. ft. facility in Three Gates Road, Cowes, currently occupied by a clothing retailer.
"Plans are in place to enable consolidation of the majority of its fulfilment operations within the new Fulfilment Centre in the second half of this year.
"The company will then look to recruit additional staff to work at the new facility.
"This is a significant and important development that will help the Company prepare for continued future growth and underlines its commitment to retaining the business on the Isle of Wight."
The spokesman said it was not yet known how many jobs would be created.
Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk