A further 450 jobs have been thrown into uncertainty as Marks & Spencer announces the closure of its distribution centre in Hardwick Grange near Warrington. The site, which currently handles clothing and home distribution for the North West and Scotland is due to close in September, and operations will now move to other sites in the retailer’s network. In January M & S revealed its plans to close down its London distribution centre (Neasden) putting 380 jobs at risk, as well as 14 stores across the UK (with a possible loss of a further 468 jobs).
This comes as part of the retailer’s five-year turnaround plan, in which it is seeking to reduce the number of distribution centres to larger, more automated and better placed sites. Third-party logistics firms XPO and DHL, which currently run the distribution centre, are understood to have entered into a consultation period its hundreds of employees.
A new distribution centre was also announced – in Welham Green by 2019, which will be run by DHL with the recruitment of around 500 people there.
Director of clothing & home supply chain and logistics Gordon Mowat said “… it was not a decision we took lightly and it is not in any way a reflection on the hard work and dedication provided by the teams on site. We will do all we can to support our partners through the consultation process.”
