Following a year of growth in which it secured its first profit, Yodel plans to open a brand-new 161,900 sq. ft depot in Huyton, Merseyside, providing it with further capacity to ensure the business can continue to meet demand.
This latest investment represents an ongoing commitment from Yodel to continue expanding nationwide operations, with the UK independent parcel carrier expecting to handle over 200 million parcels in 2022.
As well as looking to build on its parcel capacity, Yodel has invested in developing a specialism for handling delicate and irregular shaped parcels by installing the dedicated sortation system Merlin at its centres in Wednesbury and Shaw.
Working in close consultation with current employees, and local stakeholders, the Huyton depot, which is set to open ahead of summer 2023, will build on Yodel’s existing presence in the Northwest, providing growth and employment opportunities for the region. The depot will also support clients with a higher capacity for parcel numbers and quicker delivery times.
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Mike Hancox, chief executive officer of Yodel, said: “This is a very exciting period for Yodel and the new depot in Huyton is an important step in expanding the business, ensuring that we can be more dynamic and fit for purpose. We are happy to be bringing employment to the Merseyside area and are looking forward to welcoming new colleagues into the team.
A greener development
The facility is being built by GMI Construction Group (GMI) to a Net Zero Carbon standard and as part of this will feature solar panels and EV charging points. The depot is also on target to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating for the success the construction has had in minimising pollution and protecting the surrounding habitat.
Yodel added sustainability is a key driver for the company, with CO2 per tonne per delivery down 40% over the last five years. All depots are now powered by renewable energy sources and the new site will also be an ambitious sustainability project.
