DPD to introduce three brand new ‘super-depots’

DPD has publicised its plans to invest in an expansion which will see the company develop 15 new depots, three of which will be classed as ‘super-depots’.

The parcel delivery company are expecting that the majority of the new depots will replace or expand upon the capacity of already existing depots; however nine brand new facilities are to be built.

The areas of Radlett, Liverpool, Brighton and Lincoln will receive a depot for the first time. In addition to these four areas receiving a depot, other areas that will see improvements with regards to their DPD depots will be Bridgwater, Bristol, Cardiff, Carlisle, Dartford, Edinburgh, Exeter, Feltham, Peterborough, Reading and Swansea.

Developments within Edinburgh, Cardiff and Exeter will be especially significant due to these depots being considered ‘super-depots’. With the intent of them being able to sort and handle up to 7,000 parcels an hour, the ‘super-depots’ will be built on a site seven acres in size – this being double the size of a current DPD depot. ‘Super-depots’ will be installed with the most up-to-date equipment, including automated sorting conveyers, as well as being up to four times more efficient than before. Work on the new depots is expected to begin soon, with Edinburgh due for completion this year, with Cardiff and Exeter due for completion early 2015.

DPD’s CEO, Dwain McDonald, has said: “In the last few years DPD has enjoyed unprecedented growth of 20%, year on year. We’ve invested in our network throughout that period and this announcement…is the latest in a long line of developments designed to maintain the excellent service our customers have come to expect from us.”

McDonald has spoken of how the new build depots will make “a huge impact on the network in terms of extra capacity and greater efficiency.” The CEO then compares this in relation to the ‘super-depots’: “Our new ‘super-depots’ will take this to another level. In effect they will be ‘mini hubs’, capable of handling 25,000 parcels a day. This scale of investment sends a strong message to businesses and online retailers that we are a confident and growing company that can deliver a first class service.”

It was previously agreed for DPD to obtain planning permission to build a new parcel facility in the East Midlands at Hinckley Commercial Park with a worth of £100 million. This new build is said to be the largest in Europe, with a site of 33 acres and having the ability to process up to 70,000 parcels an hour. This hub is currently on schedule for completion in 2015, with the thought of creating up to 1,000 permanent full-time jobs.