Parcel freight, secure courier, two-person and logistics specialist DX has opened a new multi-million-pound regional hub and depot in Stanton-by-Dale in Derbyshire.
Announcing the launch, DX said the new hub and depot significantly increases the group’s capacity in the East Midlands region, adding that the launch is in line with DX’s programme to continue to scale its capacity and develop its depot network.
The new facility is located on a 4.47acre site on the New Stanton Park, near Ilkeston, close to the M1 junction 25.
The site has a 20,500 sq ft purpose-built freight depot equipped with a raised dock mechanisation and has capacity for 40 trailers.
The site will support the group’s freight business, which specialise in parcel freight and in particular awkward-to-handle freight, irregular dimension and weight (IDW) items.
The new depot replaces a smaller depot and, together with the regional hub, is designed to improve operational efficiencies in the region, reduce carbon emissions and enhance customer services levels, which the group said was a key focus for the business.
The flagship site also reflects the group’s commitment to its goal of reaching net zero by 2050. It is fitted with a 45 kWp solar array to the roof, which is expected to generate an estimated 34 mWh of renewable energy and eliminate 9.4 tCO2e per annum.
The site’s remaining energy requirements will be provided by a renewable REGO-backed electricity supply.
The new regional hub and depot also benefit from LED lighting throughout the building, including LUX/PIR sensors, and external lighting with built-in solar panels, which charge during the day, whilst large skylights flood the warehouse with natural light during daylight hours.
EV charging points have been installed to support the transition to electric vehicles/plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (EV/PHEV), and a rainwater attenuation tank has been fitted to minimise any pressure on the drainage network.
Paul Ibbetson, DX Group chief executive, said: “We are delighted to open our new DX Freight Regional Hub and Depot in Derbyshire, which incorporates some of the latest available technology to reduce carbon emissions.
“The new site is part of our continuing expansion of the business representing a £12m investment and forms a central element of the Board’s wider three-year investment programme aimed at supporting continued growth.
“The new depot will enhance our position in the East Midlands, increasing the capacity and capability of our freight operation.
“It will also deliver further efficiencies to our operations and provide enhanced local customer service benefits, a priority for the group.
“Enlarging and improving the depot network underpins the continued successful delivery of our growth plans over the short to medium term, and we look forward to reporting on further openings over the coming months.”