DHL Supply Chain is set to invest £550m to launch a new health logistics centre in Derby and further advance automation within its UK and Ireland operations. This move supports rising demand in e-commerce and healthcare logistics. The company has already allocated £860m to automation over the past three years, with over 3,200 digitalisation projects implemented across the region.
This investment forms part of DHL’s larger strategy to scale its UK and global operations by 2030, with robotics and digital technologies at its core, driving growth. The expansion is driven by increased demand for efficient and sophisticated logistics solutions, particularly in high-growth sectors like e-commerce and life sciences.
DHL plans to integrate cutting-edge robotics, including the deployment of 750 Assisted Picking Robots and the introduction of Boston Dynamics Stretch Robots for container unloading. These innovations aim to boost productivity, reduce physical strain, and improve return on investment for customers.
The new Derby facility will support the rapidly expanding life sciences and healthcare sectors, which are expected to see double-digit growth in the UK in the next five years. It will feature cold chain and cleanroom capabilities, integral to DHL’s broader health logistics network. This investment solidifies the UK’s role as a key logistics hub within DHL’s global strategy.
