Consignia has signed a deal to build and equip a new £150m distribution centre with one of the world's most technically advanced postal automation. It will open near Heathrow next year.

John Mowlem and Company will fit out the site and postal automation suppliers Mannesman Dematic Worldwide Postal Systems will equip the centre with leading edge technology, capable of processing up to 10 million international letters each day.

Richard Dykes, Consignia's Group MD of Mail Services, said: "The new centre will greatly improve the service for Royal Mail's international customers and increase its efficiency. In a rapidly growing marketplace the combination of world-beating technology with a concentrated operation next to Heathrow brings benefits to customers and gives us a strong competitive ability to handle growing volumes of international letters."

Jessica Jarlvi