DPD’s new depots delivered in time for Christmas

The latest of DPD’s four new “super depots” – which are a key part of its preparations for the Christmas peak – started operations yesterday (16 November). In a statement issued today, DPD released more information about the new depots in Cardiff, Dagenham, Exeter and – the newest of the bunch – Stoke on Trent.

Covering at least 60,000 sq ft, each super-depot is double the size of DPD’s standard depot sites, equipped with fully automated sorting conveyers and will be capable of handling 25,000 parcels a day.

DPD has invested £14m in the four super depots.

Cardiff
The new 60,555 sq ft Cardiff depot, located on the Wentloog Corporation Industrial Park,  will add up to 60 new routes initially and gives capacity for DPD to carry on growing in Cardiff for at least the next five years. The super depot replaces DPD’s existing site on Spring Meadow Industrial Estate, which is 30 years old.

Dagenham
The 66,000 sq ft Orion Park depot replaces the company’s existing facility at Spilsby Road in Romford. The Dagenham site is closer to London and will help by taking routes from up to six other local depots chiefly, Enfield, London Bridge and Chelmsford.

Exeter
The new 60,468 sq ft depot, which will be the first unit to open on the new Skypark business park, replaces DPD’s old depot located at Heron Road on the Sowton Industrial Estate, which was more than 20 years old. The Skypark facility more than doubles DPD’s capacity in the area and gives the team plenty of space to expand in the next five years. The new location gives drivers easy access to the M5.

Stoke On Trent
The 60,121 sq ft depot on Shelton Boulevard will replace DPD’s existing depot on the Parkhouse Industrial Estate West, Newcastle under Lyme. Located on the A500, the new facility gives DPD drivers better access to the M6 motorway and for routes to Leek and the Peak District. Ultimately, the new super depot will take on new routes as far afield as Chester and Telford, with scope to continue expanding in years to come.

Dwain McDonald, DPD’s CEO commented: “Our new flagship super depots are the largest and most efficient in our network and are the latest demonstration of our commitment to our customers. They enable us to expand our capacity, run our service efficiently and maintain our very high service standards. Most importantly they ensure we remain well ahead of demand from our business and retail customers. We’re investing in capacity for the future, so these huge depots will be able to continue to grow for the next five years and beyond.”