Tesco is to open five new urban fulfilment centres (UFCs) in the next 12 months after the opening of its first in West Bromwich Extra. The company had initially hoped to have three open by summer 2020 but plans were delayed by the pandemic.
The UFCs allow Tesco to increase delivery slots for customers, with an increased rate of picking thanks to automation. In 2019 the retailer announced plans to have a network of at least 25 such centres within three years.
Construction of the first UFS was delayed by a few months as a result of the pandemic but was completed last June, with its first customer order delivered the following month.
Its second is due to open in May having been delayed longer. Four more sites are due to open within the next twelve months. These UFCs will enable us to provide access to more delivery slots for customers with an increased rate of picking, the company said in its latest results.
