Kingfisher plc, the international home improvement company, has signed contracts on a new B&Q distribution centre (DC) in Swindon. The new site will improve efficiencies within the B&Q supply chain, enabling it to maximise product availability for customers whether they have bought an item in store or via digital channels, as well as supporting Kingfisher’s UK supply chain.

Construction on the new 375,000 square feet site started in March 2018. When complete, it is estimated around 100 new jobs will be created, benefiting the local area. The site is expected to be operational by February 2019.

The new site will be developed next door to B&Q’s existing Swindon DC, and connected to the biomass plant that heats it. As well as benefiting from 100% renewable heat, the new building will incorporate roof-top solar panels and beehives in the surrounding grounds. Its proximity to the existing site also means that road mileage can be kept to a minimum.

The Group logistics property manager at Kingfisher plc, Tim Crighton, said: “This is an important milestone for Kingfisher and B&Q in implementing our supply chain strategy as part of the One Kingfisher transformation plan. The new site will allow us to improve efficiencies within the supply chain for B&Q, meaning we’ll be able to get product out to stores more quickly, and help us to help more customers improve their homes.”

The site will be developed by Gazeley, a leading developer, investor, owner and manager of prime logistics real estate in Western Europe. 

Senior development director of Gazeley, Bruce Topley, said: “G.Park Swindon benefits from exceptional transport links and has become a leading destination for logistics and distributions operations in Bristol and the South West together with the broader UK. We are delighted to be working with B&Q for a second time and look forward to delivering this exciting project. Gazeley has built a reputation for exceptional customer service and delivery of high quality buildings that give its customers the flexibility to adapt to the changing and fast evolving ecommerce landscape.”

Once operational, the site will be run by Kingfisher’s logistics partners Wincanton and XPO.