Pipe Center has officially opened its new distribution centre in Measham, Derbyshire. The site becomes the most technologically advanced distribution facility in the company's supply chain.

The 142,000ft2 facility has given Pipe Center the ability to deliver across its entire network on a next-day basis, creating 54 new job opportunities.

Measham features technology such as a dynamic 'goods to man' Kasto automated tube storage system. The bespoke system has boosted storage capacity by 20% and reduced the distance warehouse operatives have to travel when picking.

HighJump, a leading warehouse management system, processes all warehouse tasks and offers superior tracking and traceability of inventory, further maximising efficiencies and reducing costs. Narrow aisle trucks work directly with HighJump and forklift trucks and their operators are automatically directed to the correct location.

Optimised storage and improved stock management allows branches to offer an even broader range of products, including Bondloc, Geberit, Ideal Stelrad, Spirax Sarco, and Marla Tube Fittings.

Andy Wighton, managing director of Pipe and Climate Center, said: "We have created one of the most dynamic and advanced distribution centres in the industry that will help us achieve customer service excellence. Measham DC is ideally placed geographically and fits with our supply chain strategy to be as efficient as possible. It optimises our distribution capability for Pipe and Climate Center so we can offer our customers next day delivery, and accommodates our exciting growth ambitions for the next 10 to 15 years."

The opening was described as an investment into Wolseley UK's supply chain and the future expansion of the Pipe and Climate business, by Steve Ashmore, managing director of Wolseley UK. He continued: "In line with our corporate strategy, the facility represents excellence in operational efficiency and adds value to customers, suppliers and the whole Wolseley UK business."

Measham, in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, is situated within a central hub of national infrastructure connections often referred to as the 'Golden Triangle' for distribution and logistics. It has been fully operational since December 2014.