Tesco proposes to close two distribution centres and simplify network

Tesco has announced proposed changes to its UK distribution network, which include reducing the number of distribution centres from 25 to 23 and bringing in house all the warehouse operations that are currently carried out by DHL and Wincanton. In a statement issued today (9 January), Tesco said that plans included “closing Welham Green distribution centre and moving its grocery operations to the Reading distribution centre”; and also “bringing the majority of general merchandising into one distribution centre at Middlesbrough, resulting in the closure of the Chesterfield distribution centre”.

Tesco is also looking to withdraw from the Daventry hanging garments shared distribution centre which is currently operated by third party DHL. The clothing operations would move to the nearby Tesco Daventry distribution centre.

In addition to the proposed closure and restructuring, Tesco’s plans include “simplifying the management structure across all distribution centres”.

The Tesco statement added: “While these changes will result in some redundancies, new roles will be created within other sites across the Tesco distribution network. This includes new jobs at Reading and Middlesbrough distribution centres as well as the creation of colleague support roles in the majority of centres.”