A towering 70-metre lifting crane, nearly as tall as York Minster, has become a striking feature on York’s skyline as Nestlé embarks on a £5.2 million upgrade of its Haxby Road distribution centre.
The major investment aims to improve efficiency and modernise the facilities as the company celebrates the 40th anniversary of its York distribution centre site this year.
The project involves replacing six high-bay stacker cranes and their control systems in the automated warehouse. The upgrade is designed to improve reliability, extend the facility’s lifespan, and enhance overall efficiency. Additionally, the modernisation will create a safer work environment by reducing the need for employees to operate at heights.
To ensure uninterrupted operations in the 32,500-pallet capacity warehouse, the project will be carried out in three phases from January to July 2025.
The work will be carried out with Nestlé’s logistics partner, Alstef Group, and will involve the temporary assembly of telescopic cranes on site, with a total of seven lifting crane visits. The lifting crane will reach a height of 70 metres to replace six 25-metre cranes through the warehouse roof, all whilst keeping the operation running.
The company is also upgrading the electrical and control systems in the warehouse to ensure seamless operation. These improvements will make it easier for its team to monitor operations and respond quickly to any issues that may arise.
“Nestlé York is a cornerstone of our operations in the UK, playing a vital role in our supply chain and our commitment to delivering high-quality products to consumers,” Richard Hastings, head of logistics at Nestlé UK and Ireland, said.
“This investment in our York distribution centre reflects our dedication to continued improvement and innovation and we look forward to sharing more updates as we progress with this exciting project.”
Nestlé UK and Ireland has invested more than £800 million in its UK factories over the past decade, including recent upgrades in Wisbech, York, Halifax and Buxton.
The investment in the York distribution centre builds on more than £85 million investment in the Nestlé York campus in the past decade, including refurbished office space and factory machinery upgrades.
The York distribution centre was opened in 1985 and supplies retailers in the North of England with a wide range of Nestlé products, including confectionery, coffee and cereals.
