Leading Midland developers Gallan Group and Stoford have completed the development and base build for a £20million regional distribution centre for The Co-operative Group.
The 435,750sqft facility at Avonmouth, Bristol will employ around 900 staff and service some 482 Co-operative food stores in Bristol, the South West and Wales.
Constructed by VolkerFitzpatrick, the scheme is now in the final stage of internal fit-out enabling deliveries to start this month (October).
It is scheduled to be fully operational in May 2013 and incorporates the highest standards of energy efficiency features, including rain water harvesting and energy-saving lighting.
Staff will use the latest voice recognition systems to pick orders and the vehicles will use tracking system technology to deliver around 1.2million cases of chilled milk, ambient and frozen product per week.
Mark Leonard, Head of Logistics Service, The Co-operative Food, said: “We are delighted to have reached this major milestone in what has been a massive project and a great team effort all round.”
Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director of Stoford said: “We are delighted that such a major project is now complete and that the benefits to both the local economy and employment opportunities are being realised.
“Our first joint venture with Gallan Group has been a great success and the cooperation between all parties throughout the development process second to none.
Our thanks go to all involved.”