McDonald’s UK & Ireland announces opening of 138,000 sq ft distribution centre in Darlington

McDonald’s UK & Ireland and Martin Brower have opened a new distribution centre in Darlington, creating over 200 jobs.

The 138,000 sq. ft. facility will supply more than 200 McDonald’s restaurants across the North East. The opening will also reduce average drive times by one hour, saving approximately 2.5 million road miles every year, reducing carbon emissions across the fast food giant’s supply chain.

Over 70 suppliers will bring more than 400 different products into the DC which will be stored, sorted and delivered to the aforementioned restaurants.

The site has been built to BREEAM Excellent standards and features on‑site solar generation and an extensive electric vehicle infrastructure including 13 electric car chargers and 17 electric trailer points.

The opening was commemorated this week with an event attended by Members of Darlington Borough Council, including Leader Stephen Hark, who received a tour of the facility and were introduced to the team behind the project. Others in attendance included representatives from Martin Brower and McDonald’s, including Laura Henderson, Vice President of Suppy Chain at McDonald’s UK & Ireland and Parv Sangera, Managing Director at Martin Brower UK & Ireland.

Henderson says: “The new distribution centre is a major milestone for our business and demonstrates our commitment to the North East. Investing in Darlington means investing in people, in local jobs, and in a more sustainable future. By cutting road miles, strengthening our network, and supporting local employment at scale, this centre shows how we can grow responsibly while supporting our customers and the communities we serve.”

Sangera says: “We’re incredibly proud to open the doors to our Darlington facility, a project that reflects our long‑standing partnership with McDonald’s and our shared focus on resiliency, innovation, and sustainability.”

“Built to BREEAM Excellent standards and incorporating a unique frozen‑chilled-ambient cold chain, the centre represents a truly forward thinking approach. It shows what’s possible when we combine operational excellence with a strong commitment to the communities we serve.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Supply chain technology will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.