A MAJOR logistics firm has returned to Oxfordshire after a break of more than 20 years.

Panalpina has taken 102,000 sq ft of space at Milton Park after consolidating much of its UK operation into one central facility.

Five new jobs have been created with more set to follow as business expands.

Logistics manager Rachel Wilton said: “We have many clients relatively close to Milton Park and communications both north and south are very good, while we have good access to the ports.”

Panalpina, which has major clients in areas as diverse as fashion and telecommunications, left Milton Park in the 1980s after its pallet business was sold and it moved to Heathrow.

The company operates a global network with in excess of 500 branches in more than 80 countries and employs approximately 15,000 people worldwide.

Chris Sills, head of industrial leasing at Milton Park, said: “Panalpina joins the other highly respected global distribution operators which use Milton Park because we offer the right space in the right place. By working with the team at Panalpina we will assist their future business development.”