news 
Title: M&S Makes £340m Robotic Warehouse Bid to Retailer’s Food Business
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced a significant investment in its food business, committing £340 million to the construction of a state-of-the-art automated distribution centre in Northamptonshire. This massive endeavour aims to bolster the retailer’s supply chain capabilities, create 1,000 permanent jobs, and increase product availability on shelves.
The new facility will feature cutting-edge technology, including high-speed shuttle systems for sorting and packing stock, hands-free picking machines that load items directly onto store-ready delivery cages, and automated pallet cranes for handling long-life ambient products. The centre is expected to be operational by 2029.
This bold investment underscores M&S’s commitment to adapting to the rapidly changing retail landscape and staying ahead of the competition. By streamlining its supply chain operations and leveraging AI-driven technologies, the company aims to maintain its competitive edge in the market while addressing concerns about food availability and pricing.
The development is also expected to support M&S’ ambitious plans to open 420 new food stores across former Homebase sites, as well as an expansion of its existing store portfolio. As part of this endeavour, the retailer will focus on creating a more efficient supply chain, increasing product availability, and strengthening digital capabilities.
Notably, M&S has already made significant strides in recovering from the recent cyber attack that disrupted its operations earlier this year. Food sales have bounced back to pre-attack levels, with the company posting a 6.7% increase in food sales during the three months leading up to August 9th.
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
