Hermes has opened a new £14m parcel distribution hub that will support growing demand for next-day deliveries and Hermes plans for international expansion.
The 15,000 sq m hub in Warrington represents the biggest single investment by Hermes in its history. Able to handle about 550,000 parcels a day, the hub is almost three times as large as its previous site in the town and is equipped with an automated scanner that can process 20,000 parcels an hour.
“The new hub will ensure we continue to provide the best possible service for our clients,” said Carole Woodhead, chief executive of Hermes. “Its massive throughput capacility and built-in flexibility will allow us to meet any changing requirements they might have, such as later assured collection cut-off times and a higher proportion of next-day delivery. It will also give us room to continue to grow our business as we take advantage of the continuing surge in online shopping.”
Woodhead said the new hub helped Hermes to increase capacity for future peak delivery periods while meeting the evolving needs of the increasingly demanding customer.
Meanwhile, parcel delivery service local letterbox has trialled its new parcelpod format at Asos’ head office (pictured). The new company aims to become a dedicated network of parcel shops, featuring changing rooms next to its pick-up points which enable immediate returns. Staff are also on-hand to help customers as they pick up their deliveries.
local letterbox says it will open at least 500 parcelpods across the UK this year in locations from supermarkets and gyms to universities, convenience stores and railway stations, open at least between 6am and 9pm, with some open still longer.
Zoë Ombler, local letterbox’s chief operating officer, said: “Feedback already received has proved that staff find the concept of being able to try on and immediately return non-suitable items very attractive. With locations planned in areas that mean customers won’t need to vary their daily routine to collect, return or send a parcel we are confident that local letterbox will prove ideal for anyone leading a busy lifestyle.”
