Marks & Spencer is to close its Hardwick Grange distribution centre near Warrington, while appointing DHL to run its new facility in Hertfordshire.
The group made the announcement as part of its five-year transformation programme, which it says will make M&S a 'faster, more commercial retailer'.
The changes relate to the creation of a single-tier Clothing & Home logistics network.
The Hardwick DC currently handles Clothing & Home products for stores in the North West and Scotland, with its capacity being transferred to its facility in Bradford, which is in the process of being automated.
The Hardwick facility will cease operations at the end of September.
Both XPO and DHL, which operate the site on a third-party basis, have entered a 'period of consultation' with the circa 450 colleagues who work on site.
Competitive Tender
Elsewhere, DHL is to operate the retailer's new South East DC at Welham Green, Hertfordshire, following a competitive tender.
The site, which is due to open in 2019, is currently being mechanised and fitted to M&S specifications. DHL will operate the site and provide transport operations.
Remove Complexity
"Closing Hardwick will help to remove some complexity from our network and speed up our supply chain," said Gordon Mowat, Director of Clothing & Home Supply Chain & Logistics at Marks & Spencer.
"However, it was not a decision we took lightly and it is not in any way a reflection on the hard work and dedication provided by the teams on site. We will do all we can to support our partners through the consultation process."
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
