Global food and drinks company Nestlé has entered into a partnership with transport and logistics solutions company XPO Logistics to create a 638,000 square foot distribution centre in the UK.
The new facility will be set up at the new SEGRO East Midlands Gateway Logistics Park in Leicestershire, and will be established as a ‘digital warehouse of the future’.
The centre will be predominantly occupied by Nestlé for its consumer packaged goods and will function as a testbed environment for XPO technology prototypes prior to global release.
Warehouse Of The Future
“We are thrilled to be working with XPO Logistics to build a flagship digital warehouse and technology laboratory at the East Midlands Gateway Logistics Park,” said Nestlé Director of Supply Chain David Hix.
“This is a world-first investment for Nestlé that builds on a century and a half of proud history in this country. Our partnership with XPO will encourage innovation and experimentation in our UK logistics operations and help future-proof our business. We will be able to be even more responsive for our customers across our brands, which include some of the most recognisable in the world.”
The centre, which is due to be completed in 2020, will feature advanced sorting systems and robotics alongside state-of-the-art automation co-developed with Swisslog Logistics Automation.
It will have a digital ecosystem which will integrate predictive data and intelligent machines to deliver one of ‘the most advanced distribution management centres in the world’.
Richard Cawston, Managing Director, Supply Chain, XPO Logistics Europe, said, “Nestlé has entrusted XPO with the digital architecture for its future vision.
“Together, we will create limitless opportunities to explore new technologies in a state-of-the-art logistics environment. The new East Midlands centre will operate as both a think tank and a launch pad for XPO innovations, with far-reaching impacts on the way business is done. We look forward to an inventive collaboration with Nestlé.”
Earlier this year Nestlé agreed a $7.15 billion cash deal with Starbucks for exclusive rights to sell the U.S. chain's packaged coffees and teas around the world.
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
