Logistics provider XPO has announced the opening of a new warehouse site in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, with its long-term partner Saint-Gobain UK.

According to XPO the Wakefield Northern Distribution Centre has been designed to operate as a multi-functional site supporting multiple manufacturing operations in the North and the Midlands.

The warehouse can store 2.5m square metres of plasterboard and has 1,500 racking locations for palletised goods.

Keeping sustainability in mind, the forklift trucks on site are all electric, further reducing CO2e emissions.

XPO said the site operates as a multi-brand one-stop shop for warehousing, backhaul and distribution to end customers.

In addition, by focusing on backhaul activity, both partners can significantly reduce carbon emissions from their logistics operations and benefit from a positive Health and Safety impact.

The well-known logistics provider described the centre as being a ‘dedicated’ operation for Saint-Gobain UK providing new distribution capability for the company’s brands.

Anika Sharma, Customer Service & Supply Chain Director, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions UK, said: “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 centre strengthens our existing logistics offering and allows us to expand and explore exciting new opportunities to benefit our customers.”

The site has been leased long-term and provides a strategic stock-holding location for Saint-Gobain’s manufacturing facilities.

XPO will offer services such as accelerating consolidated product delivery across multiple Saint-Gobain brands.

Other warehouse innovations XPO are expected to implement in the pipeline include the use of ATVs, robot sweepers, a proprietary warehouse management system, and stock–taking drones.

Dan Myers, managing director—UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: "It's great to see what our teams collectively have achieved with this new distribution centre.

“Working together, this facility is a significant step for Saint Gobain's supply chain, helping to support our partner’s sustainability agenda whilst enhancing its customer service.”