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In 1981, J Hepworth & Son, Gentleman’s Tailors, originally established in 1864, acquired the Kendalls rainwear chain and transformed it into what is now known as NEXT.
Fast forward to today, and NEXT has become one of the UK’s largest retailers, generating over £5.8 billion in revenue across more than 75,000 products. As the business expanded, so did the complexity of its warehousing, logistics, and product management operations.
To support this growth, NEXT developed advanced automated warehouse infrastructure and operational systems. Over time, this evolved into a separate business division known as Total Platform, providing warehousing, logistics, and ecommerce infrastructure services to other retail brands.
As demand for Total Platform increased, NEXT needed to expand the capacity of its Dearne Valley pallet warehouse in Rotherham.
The challenge wasn’t simply creating more space. The operation needed an automated warehouse solution capable of improving product flow, increasing throughput, and supporting future growth efficiently.
Automated warehouse solution delivered for NEXT to increase warehouse capacity, improve product flow and support growing Total Platform demand.
As Total Platform continued to grow, warehouse demand increased significantly.
The existing operation at Dearne Valley required additional capacity to support higher product volumes while maintaining operational efficiency and reliability across the distribution process.
At this scale, even small inefficiencies can create operational bottlenecks. Product movement, conveyor flow, control systems, and warehouse coordination all needed to work seamlessly to maintain performance.
NEXT required a warehouse automation system that could:
Working alongside J&P Engineering, Hills Electrical Group completed the electrical installation of the control system and power distribution for approximately 600 metres of conveyor infrastructure within the automated warehouse environment.
The project included:
The installation required close coordination across multiple systems and contractors to ensure the automated warehouse solution operated efficiently, safely, and reliably.
Hills Electrical Group delivered the project on time and within budget, helping NEXT increase warehouse capacity and improve operational efficiency.
The new automated warehouse system improved the overall flow of products throughout the facility, supporting increased throughput while creating a more streamlined warehouse operation.
The completed system became operational in Q4 2024 and now supports the continued growth of NEXT’s Total Platform division. The project delivered:
Warehouse automation is no longer simply about reducing manual handling.
For growing retail and logistics operations, an automated warehouse solution helps create a more scalable, efficient, and reliable supply chain capable of supporting long-term growth.
As businesses handle increasing product volumes and customer expectations continue to rise, the ability to optimise warehouse operations becomes critical.
By investing in automated warehouse infrastructure, businesses can improve throughput, reduce operational bottlenecks, and create a more controlled and efficient distribution environment.
Founded in the Midlands in 2007 by managing director Adam Hill, Hills Electrical Group specialises in Automation Control Systems and complex electrical installations for industrial environments.
We help businesses improve productivity, streamline operations, and increase efficiency through smart automation systems and controls.
In 2023, Hills Electrical Group developed WAIZE, a project delivery platform created using insights and continuous improvement initiatives from completed projects, helping ensure projects are delivered right first time, on time, every time.
By choosing Hills Electrical Group, businesses gain more than an electrical installation supplier, they gain a partner focused on improving how projects and operations are delivered.
Speak to our team today to discuss your automated warehouse project and discover how Hills Electrical Group can help improve operational efficiency, throughput, and long-term scalability. Get in touch today by calling 01384 671660.
Thumbnail Image Credit: https://adeptcsce.com/project/nextwarehouse/
