VF opens new UK distribution centre

The new centre is VF Corporation’s most technologically advanced UK hub.

Footwear and apparel producer VF Corporation has established a 600,000 square foot distribution centre in the English Midlands. This forms part of the company’s wider investment strategy to enable long-term growth in the UK, while transforming its supply chain model. VF has 1,800 employees in the UK, working in 90 owned and operated stores, seven offices and two distribution centres. Located in Bardon, Leicestershire, the new facility provides operations for three VF brands – The North Face, Timberland and Vans. As the main VF fulfilment centre in the UK, it is also the most technologically advanced, and will reportedly serve almost 90 per cent of the UK market within one day. According to the company, speed and efficiency are the centre’s core attributes. It is to have a capacity of 200,000 parcel shipments per day, in addition to 18 stations with the capacity to pick 170,000 units per day.

The new centre builds on VF’s significant investment in the UK during the past two years. In 2019, Axtell House in London was launched as the company’s new UK headquarters and business hub. This was followed closely by the opening of new Timberland and Vans flagship stores in the capital. The new distribution centre is said to feature innovative systems to significantly reduce its impact on the surrounding environment. A number of green technologies including low water usage fittings and electric solar gain devices have been installed to reduce energy and heat waste. The building design has also achieved a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) ‘outstanding rating’.

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This article was originally published on page 2 of the May 2021 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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