Last year, independent record labels across the world were dealt a serious blow when Sony DADC’s warehouse in Enfield, North London – a storage space shared by PIAS distribution – was burnt to the ground.

Countless labels, amongst them Warp and Ninja Tune, lost entire back catalogues’ worth of stock, and numerous new albums had to be pushed back as a result.

Sony DADC have, however, now announced plans to build a new “enhanced” UK distribution centre on the same site. Music Week report that the centre is set to become fully operational this summer, with a complex that promises to “set a new standard in warehouse and distribution services.”

Sony also claim that the new centre will employ an “enhanced security concept”, making a repeat of last Summer’s events “virtually impossible.” In the words of executive VP Chris Reiser, “In addition to their outstanding experience, the team that we have built in Enfield makes me incredibly proud to think of the way they have reacted so professionally to adversity.”

“Our plan is to support this team, keep the skill base we have built here and continue to provide our customers with the same high service levels. When completed, our new UK distribution centre will occupy the same site, but it will provide even better support than before with more capacity, better technology and a bigger infrastructure, which is intended to support future growth.”

“Despite suffering the complete loss of our UK distribution centre in summer 2011, our customers have been very supportive and encouraging during the difficult period post fire, while our team has shown tremendous strength of character and determination to succeed,” said Natasha Tyrrell, general manager Distribution UK at Sony DADC.

“We are determined to keep this fantastic team together, to strengthen their resources and to create a great place to work – while supporting our current client base in their growth strategies. We are excited about going online this summer. More details will follow soon.”