Wincanton has secured a two-year contract extension with the Co-op after it delivered a new 340,000sq ft regional distribution centre in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire for the retailer in under six months.

Co-op and Wincanton have worked in partnership for over 25 years. Under this latest extension the logistics firm will continue to manage all warehouse and store delivery operations from the facility, where it employs over 500 colleagues.

Wincanton delivers to 460 Co-op stores across the East Midlands, East of England and North London areas.

The contract also requires Wincanton to handle chilled, ambient and frozen goods and delivering up to 800,000 cases per week.

Wincanton also manages the return of recyclable items such as soft plastic from the Co-op’s store-based recycling units, to ensure all of its food packing is recyclable.

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The distribution centre uses a warehouse management system (WMS) voice-picking technology, with all stock movements completed using radio frequency technologies.

Andy Perry, supply chain and logistics director, Co-op, said: “Co-op is dedicated to serving communities in towns, villages and cities across the UK and delivering value with values locally is at the heart of that approach.

“We are pleased to extend our relationship with Wincanton and for the Wellingborough site to continue to operate alongside our network of distribution centres across the UK to ensure our members and customers can pick up what they need, when and where they need it.”

James Hurrell, MD of grocery and consumer at Wincanton, commented: “The smooth implementation of the Wellingborough facility for Co-op provided the basis of the last two years’ achievements.

“Our first-class management team and operations colleagues have provided a consistently good service, especially during tough industry conditions. We’re excited to continue our partnership with Co-op to explore new ways of working and to continue our high colleague engagement to deliver excellent performance.”

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