DPD said it would invest £330m to build seven distribution centres across the country over the next two years in order to strengthen its network.
Work will commence on the new 60,000sq ft facilities in Crawley and Darlington this year and then in Cambridge, Bradford, Guildford, Milton Keynes and Sittingbourne in 2026. All are expected to be operational by 2027.
DPD said the fully automated sortation facilities will each be capable of processing up to 80,000 parcels a day, with capacity to accommodate over 100 new delivery driver routes to ensure the operation can handle the demand for DPD’s services with space to carry on growing for a number of years.
It described the programme as “unprecedented and ongoing” and that it would result in the creation of significant numbers of new jobs across a range of roles, including drivers, operations, warehousing and admin.
Tim Jones, director of marketing, communications and sustainability at DPDgroup UK, said: “This announcement represents a significant investment in our infrastructure as we continue to modify and expand our nationwide network of over 80 regional sorting centres.
“Our 50th new depot will be a landmark moment with the majority of our regional sorting centres having been replaced and upgraded.
“It is one of the reasons we continue to be the leading premium parcel delivery service in the UK – we have modern, purpose-built infrastructure in place with the speed and the capacity needed to run a premium national seven day a week, next day delivery service.
Jones added: “With 38% of our delivery van fleet already electric, these facilities will be served by increasing numbers of electric vehicles, making them more sustainable operations, and helping us move towards our net zero targets.”
