UK logistics company agrees deal with IKEA to manage Greenogue centre

UK LOGISTICS provider Wincanton has agreed a five-year deal with Ikea to manage the retailer’s first customer distribution centre in the Republic of Ireland.

Located in Greenogue Logistics Park in Rathcoole, the company said the 280,000 sq ft warehouse will help to increase customer fulfilment and better availability of Ikea products.

According to Wincanton, delivery lead times will be almost halved once the centre is operational.

Ikea previously delivered its products to consumers in Ireland via distribution centres in the UK. According to the Swedish retailer, locating the CDC in Ireland will also support its sustainability strategy through a reduction in CO2 emissions.

The first deliveries are expected to leave the Rathcoole warehouse in early 2024. When fully up and running, the CDC will create 120 jobs across warehousing, logistics, and administration.

Jakob Bertilsson, country customer fulfilment manager at Ikea, said: “This move supports our omnichannel strategy to cater to customers’ shopping preferences while driving towards our ambitious goal of achieving 100 per cent zero emission last mile delivery by 2025.”

Wincanton Group operates a distribution centre for Ikea in Dartford, Kent.

Carl Moore, managing director of eFulfilment at Wincanton, said: “Our key role in the transformation and expansion of Ikea continues to grow and evolve. We look forward to bringing our expertise in eFulfilment to Ireland so Ikea can meet its customers’ needs quicker than ever before.”

Wincanton employs 20,300 people and operates from more than 170 sites across England.

For full access to all content on Echo.ie and to support the continuation of local news and local journalism in your community subscribe HERE.