Supply chain consultancy TMX Transform has announced a partnership with Marks & Spencer (M&S) on its £340 million supply chain transformation project to develop one of the UK's largest automated National Distribution Centre’s (NDC).

The new distribution centre is 1.3 million sq ft and located at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT).   

According to TMX Transform, the facility will serve as M&S’s primary food distribution hub as the multi-million-pound investment is said to be the largest ever in M&S supply chain to support the retailer’s growth ambitions.  

It will supply over 200 stores and two additional regional distribution centres (RDCs), covering even more stores across the UK.

The facility will also specialise in handing thousands of live SKUs and products, managing frozen, ambient and chilled food products through fully automated case and tray picking solutions.

TMX Transform believe the facility reflects a shift from traditional mechanised operations to full automation.

Alvin Fernandes, Global Director, Program & Transformation Management at TMX Transform said: "We're proud to have supported M&S throughout this transformational journey,"

“This facility will enable M&S to enhance safety for their workforce, improve efficiency across their distribution network, and deliver better service to their stores and customers."

Image credit: Marks & Spenser (M&S)