Marks & Spencer (M&S) are planning to build a new distribution centre in just 25 miles from London which will create up to 700 jobs in the South, the company has announced.
The Essex warehouse which is due to open in 2016 will be built near Thurrock in the London Gateway container port. The port which is due to open later this year is larger than the London Olympic Park, so it can easily accommodate new M&S 900,000 sq. ft. distribution centre.
This will be the third distribution centre for the company in the UK and will be mainly used for the companies home, clothing and gifts range before they are transported to shops. The news will be a welcome relief for the Government as jobs will not only be created at the warehouse, but also during construction.
Speaking of the new warehouse, Marc Bolland, Chief Executive of M&S, 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.”
