Confectionary giant Mars is set to build two depots in the UK, which will boost its warehousing capacity in the country by over 50%.
The £350 million investment will see DHL constructing two new sites in the East Midlands and London areas, coming online in spring 2022 and 2023 respectively.
With over one million square feet of space, the two hubs will make extensive use of automation, including in pallet storage. DHL says they will be able to remove 7.7% of Mars transport from roads, reducing annual CO2 emissions by 12,000 tonnes or 16%.
Tim Walker, Supply Chain Director at Mars UK said: “Our partnership with DHL will deliver a world class logistics operation that is sustainable, smart and agile. What is good for our business is also good for the planet.
“This project is a meaningful step in our sustainability journey as we look to create the world we want tomorrow – which we know starts with how we do business today.”
Jim Hartshorne, Managing Director, Retail & Consumer & Ireland, DHL Supply Chain said: “We’re delighted to be extending our global partnership with Mars in the construction and management of these sites.
“Our shared environmental commitments are supported by this investment and we are creating long term, exciting jobs in both of these communities. This project will be the foundation of the UK logistics chain for Mars for many years to come and we are incredibly proud to be selected to lead in this project.”
