Leading supply chain solutions provider, Wincanton, today announces that it has been selected to manage a 700,000 sq ft Direct Imports Centre in Kettering, supporting major retailer Argos in its Direct Import operations.

Scheduled for completion in early summer 2006, the new site will house goods imported from suppliers into the UK. It will also provide additional capacity which will serve as a shared user operation for other complementary businesses.

Wincanton will be recruiting a 300 strong team to manage the Argos contract, drawing on a local and national skills base. The warehouse is expected to handle an estimated throughput of 350-500 Argos containers each week and offer a 110,000 pallet capacity in order to service all Argos Regional and National Distribution Centres (RDCs and NDCs).

Martin Taylor, Managing Director, Retail, Wincanton comments: “We are delighted to be working with Argos on this project. The Kettering location was selected for its central position between the major ports of Southampton, Immingham and Felixstowe, providing the ideal hub for imported goods. This new warehouse builds on Wincanton’s long-term success within the retail sector and our experience of Direct Imports.”

Adrian Burleton, Distribution Director at Argos said, “We chose to work with Wincanton for the management of the Kettering site as the company knows our business and we have developed a solid working relationship with them over the years.”