Marks & Spencer has begun building a new £340m automated national distribution centre in Northamptonshire, which marks a major move in the retailer’s investment to modernise its supply chain.

The 1.3 million sq ft facility marks the largest supply chain investment in the retailer’s history and is part of the push towards doubling the size of the food business. The new site is set to open in 2029 and is set to service over 200 M&S food stores.

M&S is set to create over 1,000 jobs with the new location and boost efficiency with automated machinery, reducing delivery times and creating a simpler stock and fill process.

Kevin Bennett, who leads M&S Food’s logistics arm, said: “Starting the build on this site marks a major step in transforming M&S into a true destination for the weekly shop, with a modernised supply chain at the heart of that ambition.

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“This investment will boost capacity for future growth, lower our long‑term cost to serve, and improve product availability so customers get the right products in the right place at the right time.

“With construction underway, this new site strengthens our network and puts us ahead of the volume curve as we build a bigger, better food business.”

The centre was designed to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating with built-in eco-friendly features such as recycled materials, rooftop solar, rainwater harvesting, EV charging and a vehicle maintenance unit.

This is a strategic move to support the supermarket retailer’s supply chain transformation, store renewal and technology plans as it aims to reach its goal of doubling the size of its food business.