A-Safe makes mark on M&S safety

A-Safe has provided column and wall protectors at Marks and Spencer's new distribution centre in Bradford.

In July this year, Marks and Spencer (M&S) officially opened its new flagship distribution centre in the new 90-acre Pro Logis Business Park on the M62 corridor.

250 days in construction and 1.1 million sq ft in size, the centre is the largest in the company's property portfolio and is also regarded as one of the biggest distribution centres in operation in the whole of the UK.

The centre is a key part of the M&S supply chain and the need to be run efficiently yet safely is imperative. In conjunction with M&S, its construction team Winvic and Wincanton, who are responsible for running the operation, Halifax-based A-Safe was chosen to provide a selection of on-site safety barrier systems including over 60 column protectors along with wall protection.

A-Safe demonstrated that its polymer-based barriers not only supplied significant advantages in its strength, durability and maintenance compared to other options, but was also a cost-effective solution for the company's needs. Significantly the logistics team at M&S also saw A-safe's designs as fitting in with the modern, fresh and efficient image that the new Bradford distribution centre would convey.

When it came to the final decision, Danny Swann, logistics manager for Capital and Infrastructure at M&S Head Office, said: “I prefer the A-Safe option. This solution [A-Safe] would become the Design Standard so I would want it in all new sheds and any we alter.”