Under the ‘composite’ distribution system, many small depots with limited temperature
control facilities were replac
ed by composite distribution centres (called regional
distribution centres, RDCs), which can handle many products at several temperature ranges.
The opportunity is to provide a cost
-
effective daily delivery service to all stores. Typically, a
composite dis
tribution centre can handle over 60 million cases per year on a 15
-
acre site.
The warehouse building comprises 25,000 square metres divided into three temperature
zones: frozen (
-
25°C), +2°C (chilled) and +12°C (semi
-
ambient). Each distribution centre (DC)
serves a group of between 100 and 140 retail stores