Co-op invests in distribution base

THE Co-operative Group’s latest investment in its distribution network a £22m base in north Derbyshire is starting to take shape.

The structural framework to support the 477,000 sq ft warehouse, which is being built by lowes Developments and First Industrial for The Coop at Castlewood, has been finished in just four weeks.

The new depot, which is due to open in 2013, will employ around 1,000 people, servicing 513 stores covering Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

The site, which is located just off junction 28 of the M1 in South Normanton, will take over the work of two smaller Co-operative food depots in the region – in Alfreton, Derby, and Bulwell, Nottingham.

There are around 460 people employed at Alfreton and around 280 at Bulwell, and it is anticipated that the majority of the positions at the new site will be filled by existing Co-operative staff transferring, but the new depot is expected to create at least 340 new jobs.

Mark Leonard, The Co-operative Group’s head of logistics service, said: “This is a major milestone in the development of our new food distribution depot at Castlewood.

“It’s impressive to see the structure taking shape and we are well on the way to delivering a state-of-the-art facility, which will not only continue to provide a first-class service to our growing store network, but will also provide a major boost to the local economy and employment.”