Wal-Mart technology will revolutionise Asda's distribution

Supermarket giant Asda is to create 1,200 new jobs with investments in its distribution network, it has been announced.

New facilities are planned along with a revamp of existing depots and service centres.

Asda, which employs 120,000 people, says the investment will create work in several areas of the UK including Scotland, Yorkshire, Lancashire and Leicestershire.

Distribution director David Gibbons said the revamp will "revolutionise" the company's distribution network.

He added that technology from the company's parent firm Wal-Mart means Asda's 260 stores will receive products faster and more efficiently.

The new jobs will include 500 at a new distribution centre in Lutterworth, Leicestershire; 400 at a depot in Grangemouth; 200 at a new depot in Falkirk and 100 at new recycling sites in Wigan and Wakefield.

Around 500 workers will transfer from a depot in Wigan to a new distribution centre opening in Skelmersdale later in 2003.

The Leeds-based company said cardboard and plastic waste from stores will be recycled at its new dedicated sites.