Transport@WCT  052

Wincanton has won a multi-million pound, five-year contract to set up and run a new DC in London for supermarket giant Morrisons.

The deal will see Wincanton handle transport and warehousing for Morrisons from a 100,000sq-ft cross-dock facility to open in Feltham, west London early next year.

The Feltham DC will be Morrisons' first in London to be dedicated to serving its "M Local" convenience stores. It recently announced plans to open 20 new M Local stores across the UK by the end of 2012 following successful trials in Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham.

With this being a major part of the supermarket's long-term growth strategy, the deal puts Wincanton in a strong position to add further Morrisons' business.

The agreement strengthens Wincanton's position in the supermarket distribution sector, and follows major contract wins with Sainsbury's and Asda earlier in the year.

Its experience of working with the supermarket sector and knowledge of London delivery restrictions were factors in winning the Morrisons' deal.