- Nestlé’s Amazing Machines YouTube series continues with a behind-the-scenes look at the automated systems powering its flagship UK distribution centre at East Midlands Gateway (EMG).
- At the heart of the operation is RowPaQ, a smart robotic palletising system that helps in the delivery of 80% of Nestlé's UK and Ireland grocery distribution, improving speed and accuracy as products move to convenience stores across the country.
- Amazing Machines is a four-part series showcasing the innovative machines behind some of Nestlé’s most important UK operations, from manufacturing and packaging to logistics and distribution.
Behind every shelf of Nestlé goods in your local convenience store sits a carefully choreographed system of machines at the East Midlands Gateway distribution centre working around the clock.
The latest episode of Nestlé’s Amazing Machines YouTube series goes inside our flagship UK distribution centre, operated by GXO Logistics on behalf of Nestlé. The episode reveals how smart automation paired with skilled on-site teams plays a vital role in keeping everyday products moving across the country.
At the heart of the operation is RowPaQ - a purpose-built robotic palletising system designed to handle smaller, mixed-product orders destined for convenience stores.
By combining automation with on-site teams who manage data accuracy and system optimisation in real time, EMG is home to engineering innovation that handles around 80% of the company’s UK grocery distribution, driving the delivery of some of the nation’s most recognisable brands to shop shelves.
Engineering precision at national scale
RowPaQ is designed to do what would otherwise take hours of manual handling.
Using sensors and barcode scanning technology, the system identifies individual products as they arrive, rotating and positioning each case before building pallets with precision by weight - packing heavier items first and placing lighter products on top, like a carefully constructed puzzle.
Integrated into a wider automated workflow - including inbound pallet handling, monorail systems and conveyor networks - RowPaQ can process between 800 and 850 cases an hour, making it around 30% quicker than manual palletising, which typically handles 600 to 650 cases an hour. This supports around 5,000 inbound and outbound pallets every day.
Supporting resilience across the UK supply chain
The distribution centre plays a critical role in Nestlé’s UK supply chain, enabling the company to combine a wide range of products onto single pallets for smaller retailers.
This capability helps ensure convenience stores across the Midlands and South East receive the right products, in the right quantities, at the right time - particularly during peak trading periods.
Richard Hastings, Head of Logistics at Nestlé UK and Ireland, said: “Each day, the machines at our East Midlands Gateway distribution centre help us move millions of Nestlé products to retailers across the UK, operating at a scale that reflects both the importance of the site and the capability of our teams.
“Through the Amazing Machines series, we’re opening up this part of our operation to show how smart automation and engineering support accuracy, efficiency and reliability across our supply chain.
“EMG is a key part of Nestlé’s UK infrastructure, supporting skilled employment and long-term career opportunities in the region. As we continue to invest in our operations and our people, the site will remain central to how we keep Britain’s shelves stocked every day and delivering greater employment and training opportunities for local people.”
Chris Hyde, Managing Director, Food & Beverage, GXO Logistics UK & Ireland, said: “Our East Midlands Gateway site is one of the most technologically advanced warehouses in the world, and continues to push the boundaries of what technology can achieve in the supply chain.
“The combination of our people and cutting-edge technology delivers remarkable results for Nestlé. Developing future-ready talent is at the heart of our business and our gamechangers thrive on the opportunities that robotics and automation provide. We hope these videos inspire people to learn more and build a rewarding career in this dynamic industry.”
RowPaQ is the focus of the latest episode of Amazing Machines, Nestlé’s four-part YouTube series hosted by inventor and engineer Ruth Amos. The series shines a light on the machines and people behind some of Nestlé’s most important UK operations - from confectionery and coffee to distribution and logistics.
By opening the doors on this part of the supply chain, Nestlé is showcasing how modern engineering, automation and skilled teams work together to deliver some of Britian’s favourite brands.
