Home Bargains has opened what it claims is the most sophisticated automated distribution centre in the country, making use of cutting-edge order picking technology.
The variety discounter has officially opened its new one million sq ft warehouse at Omega Business Park in St Helens, after three years of construction.
The facility sets “a new benchmark in retail logistics”, according to Home Bargains, with up to 80% of stock picking automated, using a solution developed in partnership with technology provider Witron.
The facility will support 300 stores – about half Home Bargains’ estate – while dramatically improving supply chain efficiency, according to the retailer.
Read more: How Home Bargains is proving king of the variety discounters
Home Bargains has invested around £400m in the development, which began construction in April 2022 and dispatched its first deliveries to stores this month.
Located just off the M62 and accessible by road, public transport or on foot, the new warehouse has created 1,000 jobs, including skilled system and engineering roles.
Home Bargains is also building a copy of the new facility in Doncaster, using the same automated systems. The Doncaster site is scheduled to open in 2028 and provide capacity to deliver to a further 300-plus stores.
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