Following a record year with increased volumes, UK independent parcel carrier, Yodel, has opened a brand-new 162,000 sq. ft. depot in Huyton.
We’ve been wondering what their strategy would be since their recent acquisition, and this appears to answer the question! Yodels depots are somewhat older than most in the industry, and it’s hard to upgrade an existing location with the latest physical and tech while still operation, so a new depot starts to unlock the opportunities for further growth. It’s great to see this announcement barely a month after the acquisition.
The new depot features the latest in automation technology and has potential to double Yodel’s capacity in the North West. Alongside the latest automation, Yodel is investing in people and final mile infrastructure at the depot. When fully operational, it will handle thousands of parcels a day serving customers across the region.
The investment in the new site follows a year of record growth for the business as its retail client portfolio has expanded alongside the rapid growth of Yodel’s Customer-to-Customer service, Yodel Direct. Volumes through Yodel’s Out of Home (OOH) network, which provides a convenient way to pick up and drop off parcels at more than 6,000 shops across the UK, more than doubled in the last year.
Alongside significant growth in volumes over the last year, Yodel has achieved record customer service levels, and the investment in Huyton is part of Yodel’s ongoing commitment to improve services for its extensive client base and customers through technology and innovation. In the last year downloads of Yodel’s app rose by 30% to over 3.5 million downloads and its Trustpilot score rose to 4.1 stars.
The Huyton depot also underscores Yodel’s long-term commitment to more sustainable deliveries. Built by GMI Construction Group (GMI) to a Net Zero Carbon standard, the new depot features solar panels and EV charging points. It is also on target to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating for the success the construction has had in minimising pollution and protecting the surrounding habitat.
We are delighted to have opened our new depot in Huyton, a key step in expanding the business. This investment in the Northwest builds on our existing presence in the region, which will support our retail clients and their customers, ensuring we can continue to meet demands as the ecommerce market continues to grow.
– Mike Hancox, Chief Executive Officer, Yodel
