Amazon to open advanced robotics DC at Tilbury

Amazon UK is to open a distribution centre at Tilbury which will be equipped with the retailer’s most advanced robotics technology.

When it opens in Spring 2017, the Essex-based site will be equipped with robots that slide under a tower of shelves where products are stowed, lifted and moved through the facility. The retail giant has said that the robots help speed order processing time and reduce walking time by moving the shelves to employees, as well as save space with ‘50 per cent more items to be stowed per square foot’.

The technology was launched earlier this year at its Dunstable and Doncaster facilities.

John Tagawa, Amazon’s vice president of UK operations, said: “The Amazon teams are dedicated to innovating in our fulfilment centres to increase speed of delivery while enabling greater selection at lower costs for our customers. The introduction of Amazon Robotics is the newest example of our commitment to invention in logistics on behalf of our employees and our customers.”

The distribution centre at the London Distribution Park, which is owned jointly by Forth Ports, and Roxhill, is expected to create over 1,500 permanent jobs and is Amazon’s 13th UK distribution centre.

Charles Hammond, group chief executive of Forth Ports, which owns the Port of Tilbury, said: “By basing itself at London’s major port, Amazon will save time and money and capitalise on our prime south east location and our excellent, well established logistical connections to the UK market.”