The investment in its UK e-commerce operation, DHL Parcel UK, comes following a 40% volume increase since the start of 2020 and soaring demand for e-commerce and B2B services.
Nearly half of the investment will be in the 25km2 hub near Coventry Airport, a new facility capable of handling 500,000 items per day, and is expected to create over 600 news jobs.
The new hub will feature secure bonded storage and customs capabilities for international e-commerce, a 48-door cross dock facility, and mechanisation to sort items of different sizes and weights more efficiently.
Designed to achieve BREEAM “Excellent” status, design features include 7,000m2 of solar panels, LED lighting, and landscaping to protect the natural biodiversity of the area.
The site will have charging points for electric cars, and charging points for LGV, and it will also offer sustainable fuel capabilities to pre-empt technology developments for larger vehicles.
Pablo Ciano, Executive Vice President Corporate Development at Deutsche Post DHL Group, and designated CEO of DHL eCommerce Solutions, says, “At Deutsche Post DHL Group we believe this shift to online shopping will remain intact and, as e-commerce is one of the important pillars in our Group Strategy 2025, we'll continue to invest in the sector. This investment in the UK is a key part of that, supporting the expansion and modernisation of our European network.”
€75m will be invested in fleet upgrades with a focus on alternative fuel vehicles. The investment includes 6 fully electric 18 tonne trucks, 30 Liquified natural gas trucks, and 18 electric tugs.
Over €220m will be invested in 10 new collection and delivery depots across the UK, and 20 more sites will be expanded, creating an additional 3,500 jobs across the country.