ONE of the world's biggest home-shopping television channels has chosen Wrexham as its distribution centre for Britain.
Home Shopping Europe, which is already well established in Germany and Italy, will use a distribution complex on the Wrexham Industrial Estate to store and dispatch jewellery, gifts and other items ordered by viewers of its new UK channel.
The operation will create 45 jobs this year with more to follow if the channel is a success.
Workers at the new centre, which was formally opened on Thursday, will inspect and polish all jewellery before it is dispatched to customers.
The contract was won by logistics giant TDG, which already distributes goods from its Wrexham site for several internet and catalogue companies, including Littlewoods Index and WH Smith.
The contract is a coup for the North-East Wales Partnership, a group representing local authorities which first approached Home Shopping Europe at its US home two years ago to show it what the region can offer overseas companies.
For the Home Shopping Europe service, TDG has created a high-security area for the valuable goods which will be handled.
Security at the 450,000sq ft site generally has been tightened. Home Shopping Europe uses 50,000sq ft of that area. About pounds 200,000 has been spent on upgrading the overall site to meet the "e-fulfilment" needs of all of TDG's customers there.
Christian Unterseer, of Home Shopping Europe, said, "It is vital that the central distribution company gives our customers the best possible shopping experience, with efficient service and quality products.
"We are confident TDG's Wrexham site is the best for the job. Our mission is to make sure our customers get the best quality goods.
"TDG will be responsible for inspecting and cleaning 100pc of jewellery when it enters and leaves its warehouses, so customers will always receive immaculate products."
Home Shopping Europe, at St Albans, was launched on Wednesday and broadcasts throughout the week, 24 hours per day, on Sky Digital channel 649 and on the internet.
Its core lines are beauty products, jewellery, personal fitness equipment, electronic goods, homeware, DIY goods, collectables and gifts.
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QUALITY ASSURANCE: Phil Byron, TDG's operation director at Wrexham
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