DHL Supply Chain has announced it is taking on a major logistics facility in Derby, investing to create a state-of-the-art shared-user ecommerce fulfilment centre, with George at Asda confirmed as the anchor customer.
The site will be recommissioned and enhanced with advanced automation technology to support high-volume, fast-thoughput ecommerce operations, developed to support high-growth, seasonal peaks and wide product ranges. The facility will consolidate all George.com clothing ecommerce activity into one location and operating model, providing Asda with more efficient dispatch capabilities and significantly enhanced customer proposition.
The facility will feature an AutoStore goods-to-person (GTP) system and pocket sorter technology, enabling rapid order processing and increased operational efficiency. Once live, the site will be capable of handling up to 350,000 units per day, with end-to-end order turnaround times of approximately 30 minutes, supporting the growing demands of online retail and fashion ecommerce.
The Derby investment forms part of DHL Supply Chain’s previously announced £550 million investment in its UK infrastructure, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, automation and long-term growth across the region. DHL expects to create around 450 jobs, and the facility will operate as a shared-user site with the flexibility to onboard additional customers.
Martin Willmor, CEO, DHL Supply Chain UKI, said:
“Investing in advanced, ecommerce-ready facilities like Derby is central to how we support our customers’ growth strategies. This site will combine leading automation technology with DHL Supply Chain’s operational expertise to deliver speed, scalability and resilience for ecommerce fulfilment. We’re delighted to be working with George at Asda as we bring this facility online.”
George is a key part of the Asda business, with sales forecast to reach £2bn by 2032, driven by online growth.
Chris Hall, Asda's VP of Logistics, said:
"Partnering with DHL will give us the fast, scalable and resilient fulfilment operation we need as our ecommerce business grows. Their purpose built infrastructure will support our ambition for George to become the UK’s largest clothing retailer by volume, helping us handle rising demand while maintaining the high service standards our customers expect."
The AutoStore solution at the Derby site represents DHL Supply Chain’s first deployment of this technology in the UK, building on successful implementations across its global network. The automation will improve accuracy, accelerate order processing and enhance the efficient use of warehouse space, while also improving the working environment for colleagues on site.
DHL Supply Chain is set to go live at the facility in 2027, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in its UK warehousing and fulfilment network.
