Nestlé and XPO to create ‘digital warehouse of the future’

Nestlé and XPO Logistics are going to work together to create a ‘digital warehouse of the future’ in Leicestershire, UK. 

The 638,000-square-foot facility will be Nestlé’s first-ever, digital distribution centre that aims to speed up the delivery of Nestlé-branded produces like KitKat, Maggi and Nescafe. 

Located at the new SEGRO East Midlands Gateway Logistics Park in Leicestershire, UK, the facility will be owned and managed by XPO.

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It will be occupied predominantly by Nestlé for its consumer packaged goods and will function as a testbed for XPO technology prototypes. 

“This is a world-first investment for Nestlé that builds on a century and a half of proud history in this country,” said Nestlé Director of Supply Chain David Hix.

“Our partnership with XPO will encourage innovation and experimentation in our UK logistics operations and help future-proof our business. We will be able to be even more responsive for our customers across our brands, which include some of the most recognisable in the world.”

“Nestlé has entrusted XPO with the digital architecture for its future vision,” added Richard Cawston, Managing Director, Supply Chain, XPO Logistics Europe.

“Together, we will create limitless opportunities to explore new technologies in a state-of-the-art logistics environment. The new East Midlands centre will operate as both a think tank and a launch pad for XPO innovations, with far-reaching impacts on the way business is done. We look forward to an inventive collaboration with Nestlé.”

Set to open in 2020, the facility will feature advanced sorting systems and robotics alongside state-of-the-art automation technology, which was co-developed by XPO and Swisslog Logistics Automation.