Ocado is to close its oldest distribution warehouse in Hatfield later in the year, which will put 2,300 jobs at risk.

Ocado Group chief executive Tim Steiner said: “As the online grocery channel grows, our new, enhanced fulfilment centres and technologies will drive a step change in customer experience and efficiency.

“With this capacity coming online, now is the right time for us to halt operations at our oldest facility at Hatfield and consider our future options for the site.”

Some jobs are likely to be lost but Steiner said: “We want to keep as much of this talent and experience within the business as possible and expect to retain a large proportion of colleagues impacted by these changes, either in our new Luton CFC [customer fulfilment centre] or across our wider UK network.”

Its group headquarters and the office of Ocado Retail, both in Hatfield will remain open.