UK retailer Marks & Spencer will automate its new 1.3 million sqft. (12 million sqm), GBP340 million (USD458 million) national distribution centre (NDC) in Northamptonshire to reduce manual materials handling and improve operational efficiency.

The NDC will be located at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal and is expected to open in 2029. TGW Logistics has been appointed as the automation partner for the project.

Stock arriving at the centre will be scanned by an automated system, transferred to the storage area by pallet-moving robots where it is moved by an automated pallet crane. A high-speed conveyor system moves the stock through the centre where it is organised and sorted.

Marks & Spencer (M&S) states the automation innovations will streamline its operations across the supply chain and in stores.

Alex Freudmann, MD at M&S Food says: “We’re transforming M&S into a destination for the weekly shop and modernising our supply chain is central to that ambition”.

“This investment will boost capacity for future growth, lower our cost to serve over the long-term, and improve product availability.

“By using the latest, proven automation, we are future-proofing both our business and UK retail logistics, as well as creating 1,000 jobs permanently on-site and 2,000 during the construction phase.”