Marks & Spencer and DP World London Gateway have jointly announced plans for a new £200 million distribution centre, to be located at London Gateway in South Essex. The 900,000 square foot centre will be located at the new deep-sea container port and logistics park, which opens later this year. The investment, which will see the creation of up to 700 jobs, was welcomed by Prime Minister David Cameron, who visited London Gateway this morning, 11 June.
Marc Bolland, Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer, said, “London Gateway will become our third large distribution centre in the UK as we transform our logistics operations into a modern and agile supply chain, fit for the future of M&S. As we become an international, multi-channel retailer, London Gateway will help us become more efficient by cutting costs and locating our supply chain closer to our stores and our international markets. It will also help us deliver against our Plan A objectives by removing road miles and emissions from our network.”
Simon Moore, CEO, DP World London Gateway said, “Marks & Spencer will have a world-class distribution centre connected to a world-class deep-sea port providing more reliability and efficiency for its business. By bringing ships carrying millions of products closer to the point of consumption we will help M&S to shorten its supply chain. The M&S team is truly leading the way here and we look forward to the next phase of the planning process.”
Subject to planning permission, Marks & Spencer will begin construction of the new facility in 2014. London Gateway port is set to open in Q4 this year. (11 June)
