Asda's Distribution Centre, located in Clipper Boulevard, delivers goods to 139 shops in the South East and I was invited to visit this facility and learn about the work they do.
As one of the smaller distribution centres in the country, this warehouse stores and delivers dried and non-refrigerated goods to the region's large stores and smaller express shops.
During my visit, I met Charlie Hatch, who has just begun a Degree Apprenticeship with the company. He is one of five apprentices with Asda, who works four days on site and studies for his university degree one day each week.
The centre at Dartford has 430 staff including managers, who work round the clock on three shifts.
This site is currently switching over to hydrogen fuel from plug-in batteries to run its fork lift trucks, which are used to move pallets of orders around the warehouse. It was fascinating to see how quick it is to refuel with hydrogen, taking around 60 seconds per truck.
As a large employer in Dartford, I was pleased to meet staff and learn about this business. It is another great asset to our town.
Photo above is with Jessica Hyne (Technical Facilitator), Michelle Tanner (Depot Manager) and Charlie Hatch (Degree Apprentice).