Spades in at Arla’s Prologis DIRFT logistics hub

Work on a 285,000 sq ft purpose-built distribution centre near Daventry has now begun, after UK dairy group Arla Foods announced a tie up with XPO Logistics.

Set to be built at Prologis’ 430-acre DIRFT industrial and logistics park, the scheme will see the firm’s chilled pallet operations centralised into a “next-generation” automated and temperature-controlled facility.

Prologis RFI DIRFT is a major rail-linked logistics and distribution park and one of the UK’s most successful intermodal freight hubs, with strategic road access to the motorway network and on-site rail terminals, attracting large occupiers such as Marks & Spencer and Royal Mail’s “Midlands Superhub”.

Arla says its new facility will strengthen the resilience of its supply chain, reduce road miles, and support more efficient distribution across the UK, with a spokesperson describing the development as a “strategic leap forward”.

Phil Oakley, senior vice president at Prologis UK, said: “Partnerships and developments like this play an important role in creating long term economic value for West Northamptonshire, helping to attract investment and underpin jobs across the region.

“We’ve built a community with the capacity and skills to support high-performing logistics operations like this one and we look forward to supporting Arla and XPO as the project moves forward.”

XPO Logistics is project managing the delivery of the distribution centre, and will operate the site from late 2027, when it’s expected to become operational.

Planning permission for the warehouse, set to be built on a plot known as DC11 on Prologis DIRFT, was granted for the site in December.

Dan Myers, UK and Ireland managing director for XPO Logistics, said: “This future ready CDC will play a key role in ensuring that Arla continues to deliver great products whilst improving the resilience, sustainability, and efficiency of Arla’s supply chain.”