Competitor Watch

DPD is building a new zero-carbon distribution centre in Bicester, after securing planning permission.

Cherwell District Council has given planning consent for what will be DPD’s 36th new format hub built in the UK since 2011.

The 60,000 square foot distribution centre in Symmetry Park will be constructed according to the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC)’s carbon certification, including energy efficiency measures and solar energy installations.

This deal will see DPD relocate its existing Bicester operations to the new site, and once fully operational, the new facility will employ up to 250 people.

Louise Ferguson, general manager for property at DPD said: ‘Our new Bicester distribution centre will be a state of the art, purpose-built facility.  We already know what a fantastic location Bicester is, and Symmetry Park gives us more room and even better transport links.

‘This investment will allow us to expand our existing operation to meet the growing demand for our services, create a significant number of new jobs and give us space to carry on growing for a number of years.’

DPD operates a net zero carbon delivery model. With over 600 electric vehicles, equal to 10 per cent of its fleet, DPD leads the parcel sector on the move to sustainable logistics and has launched a raft of other initiatives including energy and waste management, green packaging, smart urban delivery models and the DPD Eco Fund for schools and educational facilities across the UK working on green projects.