With 482 stores throughout the UK, Morrisons operates a nationwide distribution network comprising eight major centres, including six multi-temperature composite distribution centres, complimented by additional satellite centres.
Norbert Dentressangle's new contract involves the operation of the 575,000 sq ft composite distribution centre at Bellshill and Eurocentral - an 85,000 sq ft fresh produce distribution centre, both on the outskirts of Glasgow, serving Morrisons stores throughout Scotland.
Through its acquisition of Christian Salvesen, Norbert Dentressangle Logistics UK has operated the Bellshill DC since it opened in 1989, initially for Safeway and, since its own acquisition of Safeway in 2004, for Morrisons.
Norbert Dentressangle is responsible for the management and handling of all products covering ambient groceries, bread, fresh prepared and frozen products and fresh produce. A significant warehouse team receives, picks and despatches around the clock seven days a week to ensure best possible freshness for Morrisons customers.
There is also a road-going fleet commensurate with such activity which not only services all Scottish stores but also supplies frozen products to a number of stores in the North of England.
Norbert Dentressangle also operates the on-site Resource Recovery Unit which collects 60 tonnes of plastic and 1,200 tonnes of cardboard for recycling and sorts 2.5 million trays every month, helping Morrisons achieve its environmental targets.
In total, Norbert Dentressangle employs more than 1,000 people on the Morrisons operation.
Going forward, Norbert Dentressangle will continue to work closely with Morrisons to support its continued expansion and penetration of the UK supermarket retail market.
Chris Noone, Distribution Director for Morrisons said: "We are pleased to be able to extend the commercial arrangements for a further two years and feel confident that Norbert Dentressangle will continue to provide good value for money. They have been able to demonstrate that we can continue to receive excellent service levels and measurable cost savings, as well as working with us in a strategic capacity as we continue to evolve our supply chain to further underpin our core values of freshness, value and service."