XPO, in partnership with Saint-Gobain UK, has unveiled a new distribution centre in Wakefield.
- The centre enhances logistics capabilities in Northern England and the Midlands.
- It is designed to reduce carbon emissions through efficient backhaul operations.
- The facility integrates advanced technology including electric forklifts and stock-taking drones.
- The centre aims to streamline deliveries, bringing multiple brands together on a single vehicle.
XPO and Saint-Gobain UK have rolled out their new Wakefield Northern Distribution Centre, marking a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts within Northern England and the Midlands. The new facility serves as a multi-functional hub, focusing on optimising logistics to support several manufacturing sites while enhancing delivery efficiency.
This centre is dual-branded, representing both XPO Logistics and Saint-Gobain. It is purposely built as a multi-brand facility, operating as a unified platform for warehousing and distribution directly to end-users. Through strategic backhaul operations, both companies aim to notably cut carbon emissions, aligning with their sustainability goals. The capacity to consolidate deliveries into singular shipments rather than multiple transports is a core feature.
Anika Sharma, who is the Customer Service and Supply Chain Director at Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions UK, emphasised the strategic importance of this new centre. She stated, “This new site is strategically vital for us, and we are delighted to have created it in collaboration with one of our key partners, XPO Logistics.” The facility ensures Saint-Gobain can explore and expand new opportunities, benefiting their extensive customer base significantly.
The warehouse boasts an impressive storage capability, with the ability to hold up to 2.5 million square metres of plasterboard and offers 1,500 racking positions for palletised goods. Emphasising its forward-thinking approach, the site employs electric forklifts, thereby lowering CO2 emissions significantly. Future technological enhancements planned include autonomous vehicles, robot sweepers, and drones for inventory check-ins, all aimed at reducing reliance on manual labour and increasing safety.
Dan Myers from XPO Logistics pointed out the facility’s critical role in advancing the logistics chain and supporting Saint-Gobain’s sustainability objectives. He praised the seamless execution of the project, noting the ambitious schedule maintained throughout its development. Highlighting its broader vision, the long-term lease agreement for the centre underlines its strategic importance, with aspirations to evolve into a full-fledged fulfilment hub targeted at direct consumer dispatches.
This new distribution centre exemplifies innovative logistics solutions, delivering enhanced efficiency and sustainability.
