Meachers Global Logistics has won the contract to run the Southampton Sustainable Distribution Centre (SDC).

The operation will be launched at a 20,000ft² site on the Nursling Industrial Estate on 3 February and will serve customers in Southampton, Winchester, Eastleigh, Hedge End, Totton and the New Forest.

Deliveries of consumer goods will be received 24 hours a day, then either stored or grouped with deliveries for the same destination to reduce vehicle miles.

It will also provide just in time deliveries and better use of warehouse space.

Meachers commercial director Gary Whittle said: “Winning this tender is great news for Meachers, our customers and the Southampton area.  With extensive experience running consolidation centres we have been strong advocates for the creation of an SDC for the region for many years.”

Meachers is currently in discussions with public sector customers who are considering using the SDC, while it intends to bring the service to the private sector in mid-2014.

The contract has been awarded by Southampton City Council, which received funding for the SDC through the government’s local sustainable transport fund.

Last month Meachers spent £1m on seven tractor units and 24 trailers as part of its fleet replacement cycle.

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