Marks & Spencer has begun construction on its new state-of-the-art automated National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Northamptonshire, marking a major milestone in the company’s £340 million investment to modernise and future-proof its food supply chain.
To mark the start of the build, Michelle Elliman, from M&S Rugby store, joined Kevin Bennett, CEO of Gist (M&S Food’s logistics arm), Stuart Andrew, MP for Daventry and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and Prologis for a steel-signing ceremony on site.
The steel-signing event recognised the start of construction on the 1.3 million square foot facility, celebrating the largest supply chain investment in M&S history and a major step toward doubling the size of the Food business. The site will significantly increase capacity, reduce long-term cost to serve and improve product availability for customers.
Over 200 M&S Food stores will be serviced by the new distribution centre, supporting colleagues with faster deliveries and simpler stock and fill processes, so they can spend more time with customers on the shop floor.
“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 strengthening our operations and UK retail logistics, while creating 1,000 permanent jobs on site,” Bennett said.
The new NDC will use advanced automation to boost efficiency, accuracy and ease of restocking, including pallet cranes, high-speed shuttles and hands-free picking. It is designed to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating, with sustainability features such as recycled materials, rooftop solar, rainwater harvesting, EV charging and a dedicated vehicle maintenance unit.
This investment supports M&S’ supply chain transformation, store rotation and renewal and digital and technology plans, as it doubles the size of its Food business.
