Co-op’s £16m pharmacy hub launched

THE Co-operative Group has launched its new £16m distribution facility for its pharmacy chain.

Peter Marks, chief executive of the Manchester-based retail giant, opened the purpose-built warehouse yesterday in Stoke on Trent where he was joined by  footballer Rory Delap of Stoke City.

The highly-automated, 190,000 sq ft distribution centre will serve all of the Co-operative Pharmacy’s 800 branches and will fulfil demand for the fastest moving, prescription medicines and health and beauty products, with each branch receiving a delivery daily.

It is located on one of the main routes through Stoke on Trent, giving quick access to the national motorway network. 

The hub has the capacity to fulfil and distribute 420,000 units in a day, which will result in improved product availability and service levels in branches. 

It also gives The Co-operative Pharmacy greater control over own brand ranges and the opportunity to hold and distribute additional seasonal lines as well as offering a degree of protection against market shortages.
 
John Nuttall, managing director of Co-operative Pharmacy said: “The NDC (National Distribution Centre) Meir Park warehouse is Europe’s most advanced distribution facility in this sector and represents our continued commitment to developing our healthcare business. 

“It will set new standards in terms of efficiency and will help in building relationships with EU suppliers.”