Tennent’s owner to open major new 50,000 sq ft distribution centre in Edinburgh

Tennent’s and Magners owner C&C Group is set to open a major new warehouse and distribution centre on the outskirts of Edinburgh, but shut its Matthew Clark Glasgow warehouse, with the expected net creation of about ten jobs.

The group said the reorganisation will create about ten jobs net (file image). Picture: Andy Buchanan.

The Irish-based group, which owns Tennent’s Wholesale and Matthew Clark, said it has completed a review of the business’s supply chain and distribution operations to optimise its logistics capabilities and implement a network that “most efficiently” serves customers across Scotland.

As a result, Tennent’s will open a 50,000 square foot warehouse and distribution centre in Edinburgh’s Newbridge. The facility, scheduled to open in October, will “significantly” enhance the wholesaler’s service to customers, especially in the east of Scotland.

C&C – whose other operations include Glasgow’s Drygate Brewing – said that as a consequence, the Matthew Clark Glasgow warehouse and transport operation will be consolidated into the Tennent’s facility in Cambuslang and the new depot in Edinburgh.

This is expected to be completed by April 2021, and as part of the transition, the Matthew Clark customer call centre will move to either Wellpark Brewery or the Tennent’s Depot in Cambuslang.

“Today’s announcement has no impact on the Tennent’s and Matthew Clark brands and sales teams, which will continue to operate separately,” said C&C Group.

Chief operating officer Andrea Pozzi said: “Today’s announcement is further evidence of C&C’s commitment to Scotland and our ongoing ambition to deliver the best possible service to our customers. Our leading route to market proposition in Scotland is underpinned by our distribution capability and the strength of our multi-beverage offering to our on and off-trade customers.

“Extending our distribution operations is a positive step and will further strengthen our logistics capabilities, eliminate transport inefficiencies and enhance the service we provide to our customers across Scotland. Our new depot in Edinburgh also fits with our environmental agenda by reducing product miles travelled and CO2 emissions.”

A spokesman told The Scotsman that the group is completing a “customer mapping process” that will clarify the exact employment needs for each location, and a consultation process has started.

“As some employees may potentially transfer to the Tennent’s depot in Cambuslang or to the new facility in Newbridge, it is too early to give an exact number on the expected redundancies at the Matthew Clark Glasgow location. However, the group is confident today’s announcement will result in the creation of a net number of new jobs – approximately ten in total.”

It was announced recently that the group’s full-year preliminary results for the 12 months ending 29 February would be deferred to 3 June.

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