THE future of more than 1,000 jobs at Oxford logistics giant Unipart was secured last night after the company sealed an “unpre-cedented” deal.

A 12-year contract extension has been signed with DIY retailer Homebase to distribute its products in the UK.

A total of 200 jobs will be created over the next two years and recruitment will start at end of the year, which will take the workforce to more than 1,200.

Homebase said last night it had been impressed by the “commitment” and “continuous improvement” provided by Unipart.

Unipart spokesman Debbie Daly said: “What it means for us and for employment locally is that it secures Cowley’s future over the next 12 years.

“The Homebase contract was coming up for renewal and we started talking. But 12 years is unprecedented.”

Unipart has been working with Homebase since 2003 and the operation has been focused on the Cowley site since 2005 when an import centre and warehousing facility was built. The new contract will run until 2022.

Its value is undisclosed, but Unipart will invest £2.2m on re-equipping for the operation and upgrading the existing buildings on the Garsington Road site.

Ian Jones, Homebase’s director of retail and distribution, revealed the decision to extend the partnership was a direct result of the commitment and performance of the team at Cowley.

He said: “Contracts in the retail sector generally run for three to five years, but when reviewing our distribution strategy we decided we needed a longer term relationship with a partner that would work closely with us to support our strategic growth plans.

“The team at Cowley have impressed us with both their commitment and engagement and their strong focus on continuous improvement has already delivered significant commercial benefit to Homebase, helping us add real value to our end-customer’s experience.”

Homebase distribution head Nigel Basey added: “Whilst a contract of this length is almost unique in the retail sector we are confident it will produce an exciting and productive extension to a partnership which is already exceptionally successful.”

Unipart’s Cowley operation will now focus on the Homebase contract and Unipart automotive vehicle parts.

Last year the company lost its contract with vehicle accessory business Halford’s, but no jobs were lost as a result.

Frank Burns, managing director of Unipart Logistics, said: “I am delighted Homebase have shown their confidence in the relationship by giving us this significant contract extension.

“We look forward to growing our partnership with them.”