DPD stumps up £330 million for seven new automated distribution centres over next two years

UK parcel delivery company DPD has announced a new investment of £330 million to build seven 60,000 sq ft distribution centres in the next two years.

This will see the firm deliver the 50th new build distribution centre as part of a programme to strengthen its nationwide network of over 80 regional parcel centres.

Work will begin on new DCs in Crawley and Darlington this year, Cambridge, Bradford, Guildford, Milton Keynes and Sittingbourne in 2026 with all seven facilities operational by early 2027. 

The new 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 in each area with space to carry on growing for a number of years. 

Tim Jones, Director of Marketing, Communications & Sustainability, DPDgroup UK, comments: "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.”

“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."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Supply chain technology will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.