Co-op opens £22m distribution depot

THE Co-operative Group plans to overhaul its logistics network after opening a £22m distribution centre in north Derbyshire.

Co-op said the centre will create around 300 new jobs and employ 1,060 people.

The 480,000 sq ft depot, just off junction 28 on the M1, will be fully operational by October 2013.

It will service 528 Co-operative food stores in Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, through more than 3,600 deliveries per week.  

Steve Murrells, chief executive of The Co-operative Food, said: “The opening of Castlewood marks a major milestone for The Co-operative and the completion of a radical revamp of our entire logistics network.

“We’ve invested £22m into Castlewood to create an efficient facility, which will not only create 300 new jobs and boost the local economy, but it also represents The Co-operative Food’s ambition for the future.”