Yodel announces new northern depot following a year of record growth

Following a record year of growth in which it secured its first profit, UK independent parcel carrier Yodel has announced plans to open a brand-new depot in Huyton. With the growth in e-commerce showing no signs of slowing, the 161,900 sq. ft centre will provide Yodel with further capacity, ensuring the business can continue to meet demands into the future.

This latest investment represents an ongoing commitment from Yodel to continue expanding nationwide operations, with the business 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.

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.

Sustainability is a key driver for Yodel, with CO2 per tonne per delivery down 40% over the last 5 years. All depots are now powered by renewable energy sources and the new site will also be an ambitious sustainability project.

Mike Hancox, Chief Executive Officer of Yodel, commented: “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.

Lee Charnley, development consultant for Tritax Symmetry, commented: “This letting to Yodel is the successful result of a huge, collaborative effort from both the public and private sector. Working closely with Knowsley Council and securing funding from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has enabled us to bring this disused site back into use and generate further investment and jobs for the area.

“In terms of the wider activity at Symmetry Park, Merseyside, a reserved matters application has been submitted for approximately 350,000 sq ft across two units which we’ll be looking to deliver on site next year, focusing primarily on the spec unit of 230,000 sq ft.”