Retail supply chain specialist, Noatum Logistics is a Top 50 global freight forwarder who count French Connection, Phase 8 and GANT among their supply chain clients, has agreed terms on a new 150,000 sq. ft. facility at London Medway, to develop a dedicated retail and eCommerce facility.
Noatum Logistics is increasing the size of its UK retail/eCommerce logistics centre network to meet increasing customer demand and support the needs of the growing number of retailers and brands expanding their online activity.
With eCommerce forecast to account for 53% of retail sales by 2028 the investment by Noatum Logistics is driven by the continuing growth of online and customers seeking integrated end-to-end supply chain solutions that seamlessly combine eCommerce channel management.
Contracts have been exchanged and construction commenced last month on the development, located east of Central London, which is due for completion in ten months.
London Medway Commercial Park is strategically located with quick access to the M2, M25 and national motorway network, while the container and RoRo ports of London Gateway, Tilbury, Dover and Felixstowe are all within easy reach. Noatum Logistics plans to maximise storage and operational capability of its new facility, with additional mezzanine levels and flexible space solutions that will add a further 225,000 sq. ft. of capacity, primarily for automation, eCommerce order picking and fulfilment.
Steve Hicks, Contract Logistics Director North Europe, for Noatum Logistics: “Continued growth of online sales will drive demand for pick and pack space, which is why we are forecasting that this new development will be filled shortly after completion and will almost entirely be taken over by existing customers. When fully operational, the new Noatum Logistics facility will be capable of processing 50,000 + pcs a day, equivalent to 3 million + parcels a year.”
Demand for this integrated supply chain solution, particularly for eCommerce channels, is already significant and will get stronger, which is why we will commit to further investment, as suitable opportunities are identified.