Hi-tech boost for Super Valu

Voice-activated computer technology is being installed in Musgrave SuperValu-Centra’s Belfast distribution centre at a cost of £1m (€1.4m), the stores chain announced today.

The fastest growing independent retailer said they were the first company in Ireland to introduce the new hi-tech system.

It will enable them to achieve more accurate and faster turnaround times for delivery to their retail outlets and ultimately enable them to reduce prices, said the company.

MSVC (NI) managing director Nigel Briggs said it was the latest in a long line of investments in the Northern Ireland market and underlined the company’s commitment to developing the competitiveness of the independent sector and growing it as a counterbalance to the multiples.

“We believe that this new investment in leading-edge technology will further cement MSVC’s position as the most efficient and cost-effective distributor to the independent retail sector in Northern Ireland,” he said.

Mr Briggs added: “The introduction of this equipment is expected to increase accuracy within our distribution centre to 99.5% as well as facilitating a productivity improvement of 15%.”

Brian McMullan, logistics manager at MSVC, who is responsible for the implementation of the system, said the new technology had already been adopted by a number of the world’s leading retail chains.

“More accuracy and faster turnaround times will reduce overall supply chain costs, ultimately enabling us to reduce prices and improve the competitive position of our retailers throughout Northern Ireland,” he said.

The investment would result in the most technologically advanced distribution centre in Northern Ireland and support their expansion plans.

The chain has been opening a new SuperValu or Centra store every two weeks over recent months and plans another 50 by 2007.

Currently there are 34 SuperValu and 77 Centra stores trading in the North with turnover set to exceed £250m (€357.8m) this year.