M&S announces €397.8m investment in UK food supply chain

M&S has extended its lease and is undertaking a multi-million-euro investment in an exciting transformation of its store, due to relaunch in summer 2026

It's the retailers 'largest-ever' investment in an advanced automated food distribution centre

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Read More: M&S Supply Chain UK retail

Marks & Spencer, has recently announced a landmark £340 million (€397.8 million)investment in its food supply chain – the largest in its history – as the company delivers against its strategy of reshaping for growth.

The British retailer noted that this multi-year investment will fund the development of an automated National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Northamptonshire – a key unlock in the ambition to double the size of the M&S Food business.

In a statement, Alex Freudmann, MD, M&S Food, commented: “We’re transforming M&S into a destination for the weekly shop and modernising our supply chain is central to that ambition.”

Boost capacity

Freudmann highlighted that the investment will boost capacity for future growth, lower the company’s cost to serve over the long-term, and improve product availability – ensuring customers find the right products in the right place at the right time.

“Our new site will strengthen our network and help us get ahead of the volume curve as we build a bigger, better Food business,” he added.

“By using the latest, proven automation, we are future-proofing both our business and UK retail logistics, as well as creating 1000 jobs permanently on site and 2000 during the construction phase.”

The new facility

Spanning 1.3 million square feet, the new facility will feature advanced automation to significantly enhance operational efficiency, improve product availability on shelf and support the growing number of customers choosing M&S for their weekly shop.

Based at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, a proven logistics location with strong transport links, the depot is expected to open in 2029.

M&S highlighted the the move will see the creation of roles once the site is fully operational, covering driving, logistics, management and more technical roles such as automation technicians.

Read More: M&S ‘brings back’ online shopping in Ireland

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Read More: M&S Supply Chain UK retail

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