Marks & Spencer is investing £340 million in a massive new distribution centre in Northamptonshire that will create more than 1,000 permanent jobs. The 1.3 million sq ft National Distribution Centre is the retailer's largest supply chain investment to date.
The centre is due to open in 2029 and will support over 200 M&S Food stores across the UK, improving product availability and supporting long-term plans to grow the food business.
Highly automated facility
The warehouse will use advanced technology including pallet cranes, high-speed shuttles and hands-free picking systems to boost efficiency, accuracy and restocking. It is designed to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating, with rooftop solar panels, rainwater harvesting, electric vehicle charging points, recycled building materials and a dedicated vehicle maintenance unit.
Construction already underway
Marks & Spencer began construction earlier this year. Kevin Bennett, chief executive of Gist, M&S Food's logistics arm, said: "Starting the build on this site marks a major step in transforming M&S into a true destination for the weekly shop, with a modernised supply chain at the heart of that ambition."
"This investment will boost capacity for future growth, lower our long-term cost to serve, and improve product availability so customers get the right products in the right place at the right time."
"With construction underway, this new site strengthens our network and puts us ahead of the volume curve as we build a bigger, better Food business. By deploying the latest proven automation, we're future-proofing our operations and UK retail logistics, while creating 1,000 permanent jobs on site."
The start of construction was marked with a steel-signing ceremony attended by M&S Rugby store colleague Michelle Elliman, Kevin Bennett, representatives from developer Prologis and Stuart Andrew, MP for Daventry and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
Stuart Andrew said: "I welcome the investment by Marks & Spencer into the new distribution centre in Daventry. It was great to visit the impressive site and meet the people involved and learn about the future plans for the centre. This area has for a long time been at the heart of the UK's logistic network and this investment shows confidence in the local people and businesses."
James Hemstock, vice president of capital deployment at Prologis UK, said: "This construction milestone reflects the incredible strength of collaboration behind this project. Working closely with M&S, Gist, Winvic and West Northamptonshire Council, this project from the outset has been shaped by a shared commitment to quality, sustainability and long-term value."
According to Marks & Spencer, the new distribution centre will increase capacity, reduce long-term operating costs and improve product availability, while helping stores receive deliveries more quickly. The investment is part of wider plans to modernise the supply chain alongside store renewal, digital and technology programmes as the retailer works towards doubling the size of its food business.
