UK independent parcel carrier Yodel has announced it is to open a 161,900ft2 (15,041m2) depot in Huyton, near Liverpool, to increase its capacity.
The Huyton depot, which is set to open ahead of summer 2023, will build on Yodel’s existing presence in the Northwest, providing employment opportunities for the region. The depot will also support clients with a higher capacity for parcel numbers and quicker delivery times. The facility is being built by GMI Construction Group (GMI) to a net zero carbon standard and will feature solar panels and EV charging points. According to Yodel, the depot is also on target to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating for the success the construction has had in minimizing pollution and protecting the surrounding habitat. All the company’s depots are now powered by renewable energy sources – meaning its CO2 per ton per delivery has decreased by 40% over the last five years.
This investment represents part of Yodel’s plans to expand its nationwide operations, with the business expecting to handle over 200 million parcels in 2022. As well as looking to build on its parcel capacity, Yodel has invested in developing its ability to handle delicate and irregular-shaped parcels by installing the sortation system Merlin at its centers in Wednesbury and Shaw.
Mike Hancox, CEO of Yodel, commented, “This is a very exciting period for Yodel and the new depot in Huyton is an important step in expanding the business, ensuring that we can be more dynamic and fit for purpose. We are happy to bring employment to the Merseyside area and look forward to welcoming new colleagues into the team.
Lee Charnley, a development consultant for Tritax Symmetry, said, “This letting to Yodel is the successful result of a huge, collaborative effort from both the public and private sector. Working closely with Knowsley council and securing funding from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has enabled us to bring this disused site back into use and generate further investment and jobs for the area. In terms of the wider activity at Symmetry Park, Merseyside, a reserved matters application has been submitted for approximately 350,000ft2 [32,516m2] across two units which we’ll be looking to deliver on-site next year, focusing primarily on the spec unit of 230,000ft2 [21,367m2].”