DHL Supply Chain has announced it is to take on a logistics facility in Derby, UK, and transform it into an advanced shared-user e-commerce fulfilment center, with George at Asda – the supermarket’s lifestyle and clothing brand – confirmed as the anchor customer.
The site will be equipped with automation technology to support high-volume, fast-throughput e-commerce operations, designed to have the capacity to support high-growth, seasonal peaks and wide product ranges.
The facility will consolidate all George.com clothing e-commerce activity into one location and operating model, which is expected to provide Asda with more efficient dispatch capabilities and improved customer proposition.
Featuring an AutoStore goods-to-person (GTP) system and pocket sorter technology, the facility will deliver rapid order processing and increased operational efficiency. It will be the first time DHL has deployed this technology in the UK, following successful deployments around the world.
Once live, the site will be capable of handling up to 350,000 units per day, with end-to-end order turnaround times of approximately 30 minutes, DHL Supply Chain says.
The Derby investment forms part of DHL Supply Chain’s previously announced £550m (US$736m) investment in its UK infrastructure. DHL expects the facility to create around 450 jobs, and to have the flexibility to onboard additional customers.
Martin Willmor, CEO, DHL Supply Chain UK & I, said, “Investing in advanced, e-commerce-ready facilities like Derby is central to how we support our customers’ growth strategies. This site will combine leading automation technology with DHL Supply Chain’s operational expertise to deliver speed, scalability and resilience for e-commerce fulfillment. We’re delighted to be working with George at Asda as we bring this facility online.”
With sales, driven by online growth, forecast to reach £2bn (US$2.7bn) by 2032, George is a critical part of the Asda business.
Chris Hall, Asda‘s VP of logistics, commented, “Partnering with DHL will give us the fast, scalable and resilient fulfillment operation we need as our e-commerce business grows. Their purpose‑built infrastructure will support our ambition for George to become the UK’s largest clothing retailer by volume, helping us handle rising demand while maintaining the high service standards our customers expect.”
DHL Supply Chain intends to go live at the facility in 2027.
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