EXEL ADDS DISTRIBUTION CENTER FOR U.K. RETAILER

EXEL ADDS DISTRIBUTION CENTER FOR U.K. RETAILER    Exel, the supply chain management provider, has opened a 160,000-square-foot distribution center at Hams Hall in the Midlands, U.K.
   The new center is a dedicated facility for U.K. retailer Selfridges, under a multimillion-dollar contract signed last year.
   The center will serve as a hub for all of Selfridges' merchandise, including dairy and deli products, fruit and vegetables, chocolate, wine, ambient food and hanging garments. Exel will manage the retailer's product portfolio, sourced worldwide, and deliver to Selfridges' stores throughout the United Kingdom.
   Selfridges said its in the process of a major U.K. expansion, with a goal to 'become a '1-billion business within the next five years.' The company will open a new store in Manchester Central this year and in Birmingham in 2003. Selfridges is looking at further sites in key cities including Glasgow, Newcastle and Leeds.