Parcel carrier DPD has revealed plans to invest £3.7m in four new depots in Smethwick; Sheffield; Snetterton, Norfolk and Billingham, Teesside as part of its £175m strategy to handle increased volumes.

The four sites will create 125 new jobs – 45 in Smethwick, five in Sheffield, 45 in Norfolk and 30 on Teeside. All four will be new-build depots.

DPD CEO Dwain McDonald said the new purpose built depots would give the firm an advantage, in terms of vehicle access and sorter technology, meaning it could increase the number of parcels it handles as well as service more routes.

“The popularity of our Predict service helped us win over £70m of new business from online retailers last year and we will continue to plough that back into the business to ensure our technology, infrastructure and service are the best in the market,” he added.

In November 2012 DPD said it would be investing a total of £175m in its network, including spending £100m on a new East Midlands sorting hub.