UPS opens new Southampton facility

UPS has announced the opening of its new 8,400 square meter sorting and delivery hub in Southampton. The new facility is expected to introduce the employment of 180 staff, in addition to accommodating up to 150 delivery trucks. It is also anticipated to have the ability to sort 7,500 packages per hour – this will double the capacity of the two already existing facilities in Southampton and Eastleigh that it will replace.

The new facility is due to meet the requirements of the BREEAM standard of excellence, the world’s leading assessment method for sustainable buildings. The new build will have sustainability as its main focus in order to conform to the set rules. It will also enlist in the use of incorporating its design to ensure the maximisation of natural lighting, in addition to using smart lighting control and solar panels to provide the electricity to heat the building’s water system.

Managing Director for UPS UK, Ireland and Nordics, George Willis, has said: “UPS’s investment in the Southampton facility is reflective of the strength of our growing logistics network in the UK. It also demonstrates our long-term commitment to helping customers of all sizes connect to markets all over the world, while boosting local jobs and the local economy.”

Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton has described the new UPS facility has providing “new opportunities for local people”, as well as being “good news for Southampton.”