UK Mail has opened a new depot in Middleton, Greater Manchester, in response to growing demand from both B2B and B2C parcel customers.

The carrier opened the Stakehill Industrial Estate site on 15 July, taking on 20 additional staff, including 10 new drivers.

The 25,000 ft² depot was chosen because of its proximity to the M62 and is expected to improve its collection and delivery service in the Lancashire area.

UK Mail’s CEO Guy Buswell said: “The new Middleton depot will improve our access to the northern motorway network as well as increasing our capacity to handle the growing volume of parcels we have been experiencing in the area.”

The firm also expects to launch a recruitment drive ahead of the Christmas peak in September, as well as continuing with its plans to expand capacity at five of its depots.

The post and parcel firm also opened a mail sort centre in Livingston, West Lothian. For the first time, the carrier will also be able to print letters and marketing postcards for its customers onsite, after a £250,000 investment.