Tesco To Close Daventry Depot But Reopen MK One

7 February 2013, 16:29

Tesco say they're changing the way they do their non-grocery on-line business and want to create a new super-hub for distribution.

Currently, the Hertfordshire-based retail giant operates three distributions warehouses including at the Daventry International Railfreight Terminal (DIRFT) and one in the North-West of England.

Under new plans, the two separate sites dealing with non-food on-line orders, would be replaced by a single depot.

At the moment, there are around 200 jobs at one of several depots Tesco operate at the DIRFT site but 300 would be needed to operate at Fenny Lock. Tesco say they'll look to relocate staff either at other Tesco buildings within the DIRFT site or other into retail sites nearby - or relocate them at Fenny Lock.

Tesco say 300 staff will be needed at Fenny Lock, but they can't say how many people will relocate from DIRFT or from the North-West - so it is possible if only a few people move, hundreds of new jobs will be created as we look to avoid redundancies altogether.

In a statement to Heart, a Tesco spokesman said: "Following a review of our online distribution network, Tesco has announced plans to re-open its Fenny Lock distribution centre in Milton Keynes creating 300 jobs.  The move will enable us to deliver better service for customers as our online business grows.  Part of the business currently operated from our Daventry site will move to Fenny Lock, and we are working with USDAW to support affected colleagues through this difficult time.  We hope to offer them all alternative roles within the clothing and grocery distribution centres at Daventry or at Fenny Lock”.