DHL Express has opened a service center near Cambridge in the UK, featuring a £2m (US$2.6m) automation system to boost efficiency. This system is powered by 100% renewable energy.
The company says that over the last 15 years, the area has seen an increase in parcel shipments, resulting in the need for a larger and more modern facility. The site is equipped to handle current and future customer shipments across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and parts of Suffolk. Covering 11,600m2, the site is projected to handle over 50,000 items per week, supported by automation equipment that can sort 4,000 items per hour.
The new site has been developed with sustainability at the forefront, as it benefits from extensive solar panels. Combined with green energy from the grid, this means the site runs on 100% renewable energy. The building also features energy-efficient electric radiant heating and rapid-rise warehouse doors to minimize heat loss. The site has been equipped with charging facilities to support 90 electric vans, with 20 charge points for employee cars.
To promote a collaborative working environment and sustainable commuting, the warehouse features spacious open-plan offices, break-out areas, modern amenities, bike parking and dedicated car-share spaces in the car park.
James Keys-Kidd, service center manager of DHL Express, commented, “We have witnessed rapid growth in the area over the past few years and are set on meeting the increased demand. We’re delighted to kickstart operations at our brand-new site and offer an even more efficient service to our businesses and residents across the area, all powered more sustainably too.”