Nestlé set to bring £55m warehouse run by robots to East Mids

Nestlé, the world’s largest food and drink company, is set to bring a fully-automated warehouse to the region after revealing it is to open a distribution centre near East Midlands Airport.

Nestlé will be working with global logistics firm XPO to create a 638,000 sq ft “digital warehouse of the future” at the SEGRO East Midlands Gateway Logistics Park. It will be used by Nestlé for its consumer packaged goods and will function as a testbed environment for XPO technology prototypes prior to global release.

Nestlé has said the warehouse will employ a human workforce, but hasn’t commented on how many jobs will be created.

The custom-designed distribution centre, scheduled for completion in 2020, will feature advanced sorting systems and robotics alongside state-of-the-art automation co-developed with Swisslog Logistics Automation. It will be owned by XPO.

The facility will be sited on man-made plateaus, with landscaping to minimize the visual impact to nearby settlements. Additional sustainability measures include energy-saving LED lighting, environmentally friendly ammonia refrigeration, air source heat pumps for administration areas and rainwater harvesting.

Nestlé director of supply chain, David Hix, said: “We are thrilled to be working with XPO Logistics to build a flagship digital warehouse and technology laboratory at the East Midlands Gateway Logistics Park. This is a world-first investment for Nestlé that builds on a century and a half of proud history in this country. Our partnership with XPO will encourage innovation and experimentation in our UK logistics operations and help futureproof our business. We will be able to be even more responsive for our customers across our brands, which include some of the most recognizable in the world.”

Richard Cawston, managing director, supply chain, XPO Logistics Europe, said: “Nestlé has entrusted XPO with the digital architecture for its future vision. Together, we will create limitless opportunities to explore new technologies in a state-of-the-art logistics environment. The new East Midlands center will operate as both a think tank and a launch pad for XPO innovations, with far-reaching impacts on the way business is done. We look forward to an inventive collaboration with Nestlé.”

Andrew Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire, said: “This is excellent news for North West Leicestershire and the wider East Midlands economy. That two global giants – Nestlé and XPO – should choose to locate their new state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable facility here shows that this region is a great place for businesses to invest. It’s very positive for the development of our local economy.”