Wolseley UK has announced further investment in its logistics infrastructure.

An additional regional distribution centre, to be built in the south of England is part of the company's £100 million investment in new distribution facilities, begun in 2005. This follows the construction of Wolseley's national distribution centre at Leamington Spa in the Midlands, and announcement of a North West regional distribution centre, which was given planning approval at the end of July.

The planned 340,000 square foot southern distribution centre, together with the new 353,000 square foot facility at Leamington Spa and the 310,000 square foot North West distribution centre and will add much-needed capacity to Wolseley's network, and enable the company to offer an even wider range of products to its customers. Together these additional three facilities will help ensure that Wolseley improves its customer service, and meets its ambitious growth targets.

The southern regional distribution centre, the location of which is currently being decided, will create up to 300 new jobs.

“The results of this Logistics Strategy Project will give us an edge in a competitive market where stock availability and maximum efficiency is vital,” says supply chain director Garry Flanagan.

“We are already increasing capacity through the new national distribution centre and, having gained planning permission, we are looking forward to finalising satisfactory terms for the North West regional distribution centre. The search for a suitable site for the regional distribution centre in the South is now on.

“At the same time as we progress these major developments, we are working to improve the service we offer to our brands and their customers. This investment recognises changes in the market place, and the growth of Wolseley UK. The network has worked efficiently in the past, but to ensure the company maintains a competitive edge it needs to have greater capacity and offer world-class customer service, further improving efficiency.”