John Lewis to open second distribution centre in Milton Keynes
John Lewis is to open a second distribution centre at Magna Park in Milton Keynes, to fulfil orders both from its online business and to its 39 shops around the UK.
The retailer has signed a 30-year lease on the 675,000 sq ft warehouse, which will be situated adjacent to its existing distribution centre at Magna Park which opened in 2009. The move is part of the retailer’s plans for improvements in productivity, availability and customer service as well as supporting its expansion plans.
Operations will be relocated from a current site at Park Royal in north London, subject to consultation, which will impact up to 560 jobs. John Lewis said it hoped that many of the affected employees would be able to continue their employment with the retailer in other roles.
Meanwhile 200 new jobs will be created at a new smaller delivery hub in London, as well as 450 jobs at the new facility in Milton Keynes.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Dino Rocos, operations director at John Lewis, said: “Magna Park gives us the space we need and allows us to continue to build on the improvements we have made in providing better service to our shops and customers at a lower cost.”
He added: “We recognise the high level of talent and valuable experience that currently exists within Park Royal and we hope that, if we proceed with the proposal to close Park Royal, as many Partners as possible will be able to continue to contribute to the business in a new role.”
