Right place, right time, right team
At The Co-operative Retail Logistics, we make sure that the right products are in the right place at the right time. Our customers are our stores, and with over 3,500 stores* and approximately 15,000 product lines, this is a major operation in itself.

During 2004, we began a major change programme to build a logistics network that would serve our stores and customers better than ever before. Our aim was to simplify the flow of goods, remove any inefficiencies, upgrade the network and create a platform for superior store service. What has followed has been a comprehensive review of our Distribution Network and Supply Chain. While this has meant phenomenal change, it has been well managed and even saw us receive design awards for our innovative new depots.

Better systems, better processes, better environments
In 2005 we opened a brand-new purpose built facility in Coventry. This new National Distribution Centre serves the whole of the Food Retail operation and houses 7,500 slow-moving ambient lines. By doing this, we significantly increased the efficiency of inbound deliveries from suppliers and released vital capacity in our other depots for faster moving lines. Our brand new, state-of-the-art, multi-temperature, regional distribution centre in West Thurrock in the South East of England is already operational, and there are more to follow.

This change programme will transform and modernise our entire logistics network and it represents a significant investment in systems, facilities, the environment and our people, which makes it a very exciting place to work. It is an extremely positive period of growth for Retail Logistics and is already resulting in better systems, better processes, better working environments, increased efficiency and productivity.