DPD has opened a new 63,000 sq ft distribution centre, as it expands its network ahead of an expected record Black Friday and Christmas.
The purpose-built facility is located at Forrest Park, next to Junction 59 of the A1(M) and can process up to 50,000 parcels a day. The parcel delivery firm said the new location also has the potential to create up to 250 additional jobs and accommodate more than 100 new delivery driver routes.
The fully automated site is part of a multimillion-pound investment programme announced in March 2025, which includes plans to build seven new distribution centres over two years.
The Darlington centre follows the opening of similar facilities in Crawley and Sittingbourne earlier this year. A fourth site, at Tritax Park Queens’ in Cambridge, was confirmed in July.
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The new building was developed to BREEAM Excellent standards, reflecting a focus on sustainable development and environmental performance.
DPD UK chief executive Justin Pegg said: “I’m delighted to see our brand-new Darlington DC open on schedule as we head towards our busiest time of the year.
“We are planning for a record Black Friday and Christmas peak period this year and our network of over 80 distribution centres is absolutely key to the campaign. This is an ongoing programme and we have consistently invested in building brand new DCs for the last 15 years.
“As a result, the majority of our network is made up of purpose-built facilities with the automation and the capacity we need to run a premium national seven day a week, next day delivery service, helping to ensure we always meet the demand for our services and exceed our customers’ expectations.”
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