UK delivery company Hermes UK is to create 1400 full time roles at its new parcel distribution hub in Barnsley, and switch to compressed natural gas fuel in its fleet operating from the site when it is completed September 2022.
As part of its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitment Hermes will see more than 50% of the vehicles operating from the site will utilise compressed natural gas alternative fuel that reduces carbon emissions by over 80% compared to diesel. Hermes currently has the largest CNG fleet in the UK parcel sector.
Other eco initiatives include natural grassed acoustic bunds to absorb the small amounts of noise between the site and residential dwellings, a balancing pond, a biodiversity area and over 25,000 plants, trees and hedgerows that will be planted.
The building itself will include solar panels on the roof and a rainwater-harvesting system. Hermes has already formed a sponsorship deal with the local cricket club, has provided the local school with equipment and plans to continue supporting the local community.
Posts being creates at the site will include a general manager, operations managers, engineers, health and safety officers, planning managers, transport managers, warehouse operatives and administrators. In addition, there will be around 300 temporary and part time roles available to support during busy periods for those looking for more flexible employment.
Carl Lyon, Chief Operating Officer at Hermes, says: “With one year to go until we open our newest and largest hub at Barnsley, we’re pleased to be able to confirm that we will be creating over 1400 full time roles at all levels and continuing to take our environmental and community responsibilities seriously alongside other tenants on the site. This is a huge investment and priority for us as we respond to the ever-increasing demand for online shopping and strive to provide a service that doesn’t cost the earth.”
Matt Gladstone, Executive Director for Place at Barnsley Council, adds: “We’re working closely with Hermes in order to maximise job and training opportunities for local people on this prime site next year. We’re taking full advantage of the sites potential in terms of partnership working to better the community, working with schools and local sports clubs, as well as for the environment with Hermes putting sustainability at the forefront of their operations. This investment is a further example that Barnsley is an excellent location for business and our award winning support service in Enterprising Barnsley is there to help businesses thrive”
The 320,000 sq ft hub, located on a 55-acre plot will have the capacity to process up to 1.3 million parcels daily, boosting the company’s overall capacity to 4.4 million a day. To future-proof and prepare for expected growth, further tiers will be added inside the hub in coming years. The hub runs parallel to the M1 and is strategically located off a new bypass road near junction 36, close to several of Hermes’ retail customers’ distribution sites. This allows later cut off times for collections can be provided to meet the ongoing demand for online shopping and next day delivery.
