C&C Group expands with new London distribution depot

The new 113,600 sq. ft distribution centre in Heathrow signals a strategic move to enhance operational effectiveness and environmental responsibility in beverage distribution

C&C Group, the UK’s largest drinks distributor, has announced its new London distribution depot, Orbital West, in Heathrow. 

According to the owners of Bulmers Ireland brands, the move to the 113,600 sq. ft facility, which is 40% bigger than the previous London depot, forms a key part of C&C’s extensive network of depots across the UK and Ireland.

C&C Group has manufacturing facilities in County Tipperary, Ireland, and Glasgow, Scotland. Their portfolio includes well-known brands such as Bulmers, Tennent’s, and Magners. They also produce a range of craft ciders and beers.

They are the top drinks distributor to the hospitality sectors in the UK and Ireland, offering a wide range of beverages through brands like Matthew Clark, Bibendum, Tennent’s, and Bulmers Ireland.

The move is also set to create a number of local job opportunities in transport, logistics and administrative functions. The move to Orbital West significantly contributes to the Group’s wider carbon reduction programme and sustainability agenda.

Orbital West brings greater efficiencies to C&C’s distribution service in London and its surrounding areas and provides a premium wine service, with a dedicated picking team, and an enhanced racking system designed specifically to support Bibendum’s premium wine proposition.

C&C noted it is continuing its collaboration with Big Issue Recruit – a specialist employment service which supports people who face barriers in joining sustainable employment – to place candidates into transport and warehouse roles.

 Orbital West’s environmental credentials directly support C&C’s ESG strategy of ‘Delivering to a Better World’ and include:

• Roof solar panels to provide 185,000 kwh per annum, equivalent to 30% of the consumption of the previous London depot
• 19 internal combustion engine vehicles transitioning to HVO as a primary fuel, resulting in a reduction of over 350 tonnes of CO2 emissions from London operations
• The introduction of zero emission vehicles within the next two months, with 22 18 tonne electric HGVs
• Electric charging stations for both HGVs and employee cars

 Andrea Pozzi, chief operating officer, C&C Group, said: “The opening of Orbital West is an important milestone for our distribution platform in the UK. Our new depot is crucial for our growth plans, allowing us to streamline our operations through advanced technology which will enable us to service our customers in and around London more effectively. We are proud of the environmental initiatives we have invested in at Orbital West, which highlight the central role our depots play in our journey to become a carbon neutral business and C&C’s ongoing commitment to minimise our impact on the environment and the communities in which we operate.”