The UK's Co-operative Group has unveiled plans to open a new regional distribution centre in the North Midlands, which will replace two existing depots in Alfreton and Nottingham, and form the final part of the retailer's planned overhaul of its food logistics network. The new DC is expected to open in 2012, and will provide around 900 jobs.
“The Co-operative Group’s food business has grown significantly in recent years," said Trevor Ashworth, The Group’s Director of Food Retail Supply Chain. "We now have nearly 3,000 stores across the UK, and, including stores operated by other co-operative societies, we deliver to around 4,000, so it was important for our logistics operation to develop accordingly.
The changes we have already made, along with those we are now planning, will ensure we can continue to provide an excellent service for all our stores and our customers, while at the same time allowing for further growth."
Following the group's acquisition of the Somerfield Group in 2009, the new logistical structure should help Co-op in its bid to challenge the 'Big Four' of the UK supermarket world. (14 Jan)
© 2011 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine
