The Selby Times can exclusively reveal the retail chain is poised to open a round-the-clock depot at the former DHL Exel site in Sherburn.
The 550,000 sq ft centre – to be operated by logistics specialists Wincanton – will supply Sainsbury's convenience stores, as well as its main supermarkets during Christmas.

Selby District Council leader Coun Mark Crane, welcoming the economic boost, said this week: "This is fantastic news for employment in the area.

"I'm absolutely delighted to learn 500 jobs could be created by this new development."

News of the scheme provides a huge lift to an area hit hard when the DHL Exel plant shut down last year, with the loss of 950 jobs.

The centre – which supplied stock to supermarket chain Somerfield – closed after the retailer relocated its base to another part of the country.

MP John Grogan, a key campaigner in the battle to save the former plant, said: "It's a huge boost for the district. You can't get a much more prestigious retailer than Sainsbury's. The firm's involvement should hopefully secure a long-term future for the site."

He added: "It's been particularly sad during the past 12 months seeing the depot empty, and I'm sure there's still some people made redundant by Exel who will no doubt be applying for jobs at the new site."

Sainsbury's bosses decided to move to Sherburn as part of a drive to improve stock supply to stores across the area. The 24/7 depot is expected to be open by the end of summer.

A company spokesman said: "We can confirm we've acquired a 550,000 sq ft distribution depot in Sherburn. When fully operational, the site will employ more than 500 colleagues."

Catering staff are currently being sought for the site. Call 07902 949218 for further information.

Meanwhile, Sherburn manufacturer Kingspan Insulation has acquired the Thermabate division of Wakefield-based firm Cemex in what could prove another district jobs boost.

Many of its employees will be offered posts at Kingspan's village depot following the deal. But more jobs could be up for grabs in the coming months.

Managing director John Garbutt said: "We're looking to employ as many of the people from Cemex at the Sherburn site as possible, with any shortfall made up of people from Selby district.

"We have plans to expand the company, and that could also create more jobs in the future."