DHL's The Range DC in Avonmouth, Bristol.

DHL Supply Chain has opened a £100m, 111,483m2 distribution hub in Avonmouth, Bristol, for The Range that will “substantially improve the logistics infrastructure and reduce transport mileage” for the retailer.

The site was funded by The Range founder Chris Dawson, and creates 1,000 jobs at DHL, with roles from shift managers to stock controllers and picking personnel currently being recruited.

Dawson said: “This innovative DC will allow us to expand to further locations around Europe while evolving our ecommerce division and providing an even better service in store and online to our local and global customers.

“Along with more than 1,000 new jobs, this site will deliver long-term service contracts for local suppliers and inject millions of pounds into the Bristol economy every year, having already supported local firms during the construction,” he added.

DHL and The Range have worked together for five years, with DHL delivering to 140 stores around the UK. It also runs the ecommerce DC in the Midlands for The Range, which plans to open a further 30 this year.

John Boulter, MD for retail UK and Ireland, at DHL Supply Chain, said: “We have worked closely with The Range over the last five years and are delighted to build on our relationship with the management of the Avonmouth DC, the fifth site under DHL’s management.

“This DC is set to substantially improve the logistics infrastructure and reduce transport mileage and carbon emissions by 30%,” Boulter added.

Meanwhile DHL Supply Chain has opened a 3,700m2, multi-temperature pharmaceuticals DC near Dublin Airport, Ireland.