DPD has opened a new 63,000sq ft distribution centre at Forrest Park, near Darlington, County Durham which could create 250 jobs, the parcel delivery company has announced.
The new distribution centre is part of a multimillion-pound investment announcement in March last year and will significantly increase DPD’s capacity in the North East to meet growing demand, the company said.
The new hub, which is located adjacent to Junction 59 of the A1(M), could create up to 250 additional jobs as DPD expands its operations in the region, DPD added.
The fully automated sortation facility will be capable of processing up to 50,000 parcels a day. With a plan to accommodate over 100 new delivery driver routes, the operation has the capacity to carry on growing for a number of years.
Developed to BREEAM Excellent standards, DPD said the facility reflects its commitment to sustainable development and long-term environmental performance.
Justin Pegg, DPD UK chief executive, commented, “I’m delighted to see our brand-new Darlington DC open on schedule as we head towards our busiest time of the year.
“We are planning for a record Black Friday and Christmas peak period this year and our network of over 80 distribution centres is absolutely key to the campaign.
“This is an ongoing programme and we have consistently invested in building brand new DCs for the last 15 years.
“As a result, the majority of our network is made up of purpose-built facilities with the automation and the capacity we need to run a premium national seven day a week, next day delivery service, helping to ensure we always meet the demand for our services and exceed our customers’ expectations.”
In March 2025, DPD confirmed the plan to build seven brand new, purpose-built DCs in the following two years.
Darlington joins new, similar sites in Crawley and Sittingbourne, which opened earlier this year.
In July, Tritax Park Queens’ Cambridge was confirmed as the site for the fourth 63,000sq ft purpose-built distribution centre.
