Nestlé and XPO Logistics building “digital warehouse of the future”
Nestlé and XPO Logistics are working together on a “digital warehouse of the future” at the new SEGRO East Midlands Gateway Logistics Park in Leicestershire, UK.
In a statement sent to Post&Parcel today (18 June), the food and drink company said the 638,000-square-foot distribution centre will be occupied predominantly by Nestlé for its consumer packaged goods and will function as a testbed environment for XPO technology prototypes prior to global release.
Scheduled to complete in 2020, the facility will feature advanced sorting systems and robotics alongside automation co-developed with Swisslog Logistics Automation.
Nestlé added: “The site’s digital ecosystem will integrate predictive data and intelligent machines to deliver one of the most advanced distribution management centres in the world.”
The XPO-owned facility’s location offers direct access to the M1 motorway for road transport, the East Midlands Airport for cargo flights, and an onsite rail freight terminal with direct access to the major UK ports of Southampton, Felixstowe, London Gateway and the Channel Tunnel.
Nestlé Director of Supply Chain David Hix said: “We are thrilled to be working with XPO Logistics to build a flagship digital warehouse and technology laboratory at the East Midlands Gateway Logistics Park. This is a world-first investment for Nestlé that builds on a century and a half of proud history in this country. Our partnership with XPO will encourage innovation and experimentation in our UK logistics operations and help futureproof our business. We will be able to be even more responsive for our customers across our brands, which include some of the most recognisable in the world.”
Richard Cawston, Managing Director, Supply Chain, XPO Logistics Europe,added: “Nestlé has entrusted XPO with the digital architecture for its future vision. Together, we will create limitless opportunities to explore new technologies in a state-of-the-art logistics environment. The new East Midlands centre will operate as both a think tank and a launch pad for XPO innovations, with far-reaching impacts on the way business is done. We look forward to an inventive collaboration with Nestlé.”
