Winvic Break Ground on Ocado Retail Customer Fulfilment Centre at SEGRO Logistics Park Purfleet

A ground breaking ceremony took place on Friday, 13 December at SEGRO Logistics Park Purfleet (SLPP), where Winvic is constructing a 304,000 sq ft, state-of-the-art facility for end-user Ocado Retail.

As part of the scheme that will target a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, Winvic will build a 3-storey car park and 3-storey ancillary offices totalling 31,000 sq ft will be created within the distribution facility, and these will be fitted-out by Winvic. The main contractor will be working closely with Ocado’s specialist mechanical handling contractor, providing early access at key times in the programme to enable installation of Ocado’s cutting-edge, robotic packing system.

While Winvic has a long-standing relationship with SEGRO – in December works have also begun on the fifth industrial facility at SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway (SLPEMG) – it is the first time that Winvic has delivered a project for Ocado as a tenant. The 19-acre site is located inside the M25 alongside the A13 and the industrial facility will become the fifth UK Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) that Ocado Retail– the new joint venture between the Ocado Group and M&S – will operate from. Winvic has worked with Waitrose and M&S previously.

Mick Bracken, Winvic’s Operations Manager on the Ocado unit at SLPP, said: “When we secure a project with a client that we have worked with before – like SEGRO – it gives the team a real boost, as it provides validation that that Winvic is delivering incredible work. Furthermore, working with a new end-user is substantially motivating as it brings with it an opportunity to forge new relationships, where we can demonstrate our commitment to The Winvic Way and exceeding expectations. The project team are looking forward to showing Ocado what it means for a main contractor to be focused on doing the right thing and delivering an ever improving quality of service and product, responsibly, ethically and safely.”

Alan Holland, Business Unit Director, Greater London, SEGRO, said: “Having helped Ocado establish facilities on the west side of London, we welcome the opportunity to support the growth of its operations in the east of the capital as well. It’s great news for online shoppers in the area and for the local economy around Purfleet. Ocado’s commitment to SEGRO Park Purfleet demonstrates a real positive momentum for investment, job creation and business growth in East London, and underlines the value of high-quality, sustainable, well-positioned industrial and logistical property along the A13 corridor.”

Ian Starling, Group Head of Real Estate, Ocado, said: “We are delighted to again be working with SEGRO as we prepare to build our fifth CFC in Purfleet. These are exciting times for Ocado.com, now a joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and this latest CFC will provide new capacity to bring an even better offer to UK customers.”

Follow the action on Winvic Live.