Marks & Spencer has unveiled plans to build a new 1.3m sq ft automated national distribution centre (NDC) in Northamptonshire.
The retailer said the £340m facility would feature advanced automation to “significantly enhance operational efficiency, improve product availability on shelf and support the growing number of customers choosing M&S for their weekly shop”.
The distribution centre will be based at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal and is due to open in 2029.
The facility is expected to achieve EPC A+ and BREEAM Outstanding ratings and will feature responsibly sourced and recycled building materials, a large scale rooftop solar panel array, an advanced rainwater harvesting system and EV vehicle charging.
Alex Freudmann, MD at M&S Food, said: “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 – ensuring customers find the right products in the right place at the right time.
“Our new site will strengthen our network and help us get ahead of the volume curve as we build a bigger, better food business. By using the latest, proven automation, we are future-proofing both our business and UK retail logistics, as well as creating 1000 jobs permanently on site and 2000 during the construction phase.”
Paul Weston, regional head at Prologis UK, M&S’s development partner on the project, added: “This development goes beyond real estate – it’s a long-term infrastructure platform tailored to M&S’ future supply chain. Together, we’re combining automation sustainability and smart energy systems to deliver a site that supports growth, resilience and net zero ambitions.”
