The Travis Perkins Group is to invest in a new 700,000sq ft regional distribution centre (RDC) in Warrington, Cheshire.

This investment will better enable the continued development of the Group’s multi-channel customer fulfilment, whilst improving product availability and reducing delivery lead times.

With 17 businesses across 1,900 locations in the UK, the Travis Perkins Group’s current supply chain operations are extensive. The continued expansion of the branch network means the Group’s requirement for additional supply chain capacity is rising. The new RDC will meet that need and will supplement the Group’s existing distribution operations across the UK.

Construction of the new RDC is expected to begin in mid-2013 with commissioning anticipated for early 2015. It will allow progressive deployment of further supply chain efficiency initiatives, which are expected to reduce the Group’s operating cost and inventory.

Chief executive Geoff Cooper said: “This is an exciting time for the entire group. We are growing our already extensive product portfolio, and our new RDC in Warrington will enhance our offering by improving the supply of products to our branch network. We always work hard to put our customers first, and this is another important development.”