M&S enlists TMX Transform for one of the UK's largest automated food distribution centres

TMX Transform has partnered with Marks & Spencer on the development of one of the UK's largest automated national distribution centre’s (NDC), a 1.3 million sq ft facility at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT).

With an investment of £340 million, the facility will serve as M&S's primary food distribution hub, directly supplying over 200 stores and two additional regional distribution centres. The tri-temperature facility will handle thousands of live SKUs and products, managing frozen, ambient and chilled food products through fully automated case and tray picking solutions.

"We're proud to have supported M&S throughout this transformational journey," says Alvin Fernandes, Global Director, Programme & Transformation Management at TMX Transform.

"We've partnered with M&S from the initial network strategy development to detailed design assurance and contract execution. When you're making investments of this magnitude, our role is to provide the confidence and risk mitigation that comes from extensive global experience across complex supply chain transformations.”

“This facility will enable M&S to enhance safety for their workforce, improve efficiency across their distribution network, and deliver better service to their stores and customers."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Supply chain automation will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.