Wincanton has won the contract to operate Morrisons’ first-ever dedicated convenience distribution centre, in London.

The supermarket revealed last month that it was planning to open a 100,000 sq ft DC in Feltham, West London, with the capacity to supply 100 of its M Local convenience stores. The site will open early next year.

Wincanton said today it had been awarded a multimillion-pound, five-year deal to run the DC’s warehouse and transport operations.

“The award of this important contract with Morrisons is a clear sign that the market values our expertise in providing turn-key solutions to leading retailers,” said Wincanton chief executive Eric Born.

Meanwhile, Morrisons has appointed group strategy director Gordon Mowat as managing director of its convenience business, as it looks to accelerate the rollout of its smaller store estate.

The retailer currently has just five M Local convenience stores but plans to have 20 by the end of the year and a further 50 by the end of 2013.