Footwear group schuh is to create a further 50 jobs in Scotland over the next five years in a new European distribution centre.

The expansion follows continued growth of the chain, which opened its first shop in Edinburgh in 1981 and was sold to US shoe giant Genesco in June 2011 for more than £100 million.

Schuh has acquired 245,000 square feet of warehouse space in the J4M8 complex in Bathgate, which will become its new distribution hub next summer when it moves from its 50,000 square feet centre in Livingston.

The project was backed by West Lothian council and Scottish Enterprise with the company saying that "various sites were investigated throughout the UK" but that it was "keen to remain within Scotland, in particular West Lothian where our head office and existing centre are based".

Mark Crutchley, finance director, said: "Our business has expanded rapidly over the last three years and we anticipate this will continue for the next few years, both within the UK and beyond. We needed to ensure we had the appropriate infrastructure to support this growth and we are delighted to have secured these premises in West Lothian where we currently employ 465 people."

In June schuh posted an 18% sales rise and record profits of £25.6m, with the chain reaching 92 stores and employing almost 3000 people.

Bank of Scotland has agreed to fund the acquisition and fit out of J4 M8.

Andrew Clark-Hutchison, relationship director, said: "We've developed a long-standing relationship with schuh's strong management team in Scotland over the last 25 years and have seen the company go from strength to strength during that time."

Catherine Watson, account manager at Scottish Enterprise, said: "Supporting Scotland's textiles sector, which just last week announced it had exceeded its economic growth targets seven years ahead of schedule, is a priority for us.

"By supporting more ambitious companies such as schuh and encouraging them to open up new markets both at home and overseas, we aim to help grow this important sector even further."

West Lothian councillor Cathy Muldoon said the investment was "a vote of confidence in schuh's loyal local workforce and the growing recognition of West Lothian's position as a hub for enterprise".

Mr Crutchley said: "We are grateful for the support of Scottish Enterprise, West Lothian Council and Bank of Scotland and appreciate their vote of confidence in the future potential of schuh."

Nashville-based Genesco has almost 2300 Journeys shoe stores across the US.