As part of its five-year transformation plan, M&S will open a 495,000ft2 Clothing & Home distribution centre in Welham Green, Hertfordshire, early next year.

Lorien, a multi-disciplined engineering and project management business, is supporting the construction of the new centre by fitting mezzanine floors for storing boxed and hanging merchandise ready to be picked for customers. It is also providing seven-days-a-week health and safety guidance across all construction work.

Once fitted out and fully tested, the Welham Green centre is expected to start operations early next year. It will serve 150 stores in the South East and employ more than 500 people.

Phil Colquhoun, head of projects at Lorien, says: “The logistics industry is evolving. Companies need supply chains that meet the needs of demanding consumers. We’ve developed our expertise in this area and are well placed to help companies to harness automation technology and design distribution facilities that are fit for the future.”

A spokesperson for M&S said: “The retail industry is fast moving and we must be agile to stay competitive. The new site in Welham will enable us to deliver even better service for our customers.”