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The Co-operative Group’s new £15 million distribution depot at Birtley has opened for business.
The 280,000 sq ft facility will pick more than 500,000 cases per week using voice recognition technology, for distribution to 260 Co-op food stores across the north, using a 100-strong truck fleet.
The site employs more than 550 staff, including drivers, warehouse operatives and vehicle maintenance staff, and is expected to be fully operational by July.
The new building incorporates a number of energy efficient features, including rainwater harvesting for refrigeration and vehicle washing.
In addition, office lighting is movement activated and has a daylight-dimming feature, which lowers brightness depending on the level of light during the day. The site has received an “A” rating Energy Performance Certificate from the government.
