Co-op ready to close Bridgwater depot early
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THE CO-OPERATIVE Group is to close its Bridgwater, Somerset depot, which is being replaced by a new facility in Avonmouth, several months earlier than expected.
It was thought that the Wincanton-run depot — formerly part of the Somerfield network — would not cease operations until the new 430,000ft2 Avonmouth facility opens early in 2012, but closure will now take place in August.
Under the proposals, as many as possible of the 421 staff at Bridgwater will be transferred to depots in Chelston, near Wellington, also earmarked for closure when Avonmouth opens, and a new depot in Andover, which is due to open this year. However, the company says there will be some redundancies.
Mark Leonard, Co-op Group regional head of logistics, says: "We are realigning our distribution network in the South West as our new depot at Andover becomes operational. These changes are to ensure we can continue to operate efficiently, while maintaining an excellent service."
Last week the Co-op announced it had appointed Norbert Dentressangle to run transport operations in Andover. The Co-op has reconfigured its network following its takeover of Somerfield in 2009 and is looking for a DC in the north Midlands that will complete the process.