To be operated by DHL, the new one million square-foot facility will use both automation and conventional assembly methods and will open in two phases: low-bay operations will commence in early 2015, with a 150,000-pallet high-bay operation following later in the year.

Located at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT II) in Northamptonshire, the location links both road and rail operations, including a new intermodal terminal connected to the existing DIRFT railway infrastructure.

In line with Sainsbury's 20x20 sustainability targets, the facility will feature the latest environmental technologies, including LED lighting, rainwater harvesting and vehicle charging points in the car park. The facility will also recycle or put to positive use all of its general waste.

Richard Fleming, Sainsbury's logistics director said: "The distribution center at DIRFT II represents a significant investment for Sainsbury's.

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