Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently made a visit to the newly opened DHL London Gateway distribution centre, providing insight into its operations and impact.
- The London Gateway facility, opened last summer, handles a significant volume of 2,400 pallets daily.
- This facility stands out as one of Europe’s tallest distribution centres, boasting a height of 42 metres.
- Its BREEAM Outstanding rating places it among the UK’s top 1% for environmental performance, featuring an extensive array of 3,700 solar panels.
- In collaboration with Mars, the facility is set to significantly cut carbon emissions and road mileage.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s visit to DHL’s London Gateway provided him with an in-depth understanding of the intricacies involved in the supply chain process. As part of his tour, he was afforded a first-hand look at how the centre operates to efficiently manage and distribute goods.
This very modern facility, which commenced operations last summer, has quickly scaled its capacity to handle approximately 2,400 pallets of goods a day. Its impressive scale and capabilities are further underscored by its architectural prowess, standing at a towering 42 metres to claim its place as one of the tallest distribution centres in Europe.
Sustainability is at the core of the London Gateway’s design, evidenced by its coveted BREEAM Outstanding certification. This accolade positions it in the top echelons of non-residential buildings across the UK in terms of environmental sustainability. The facility is equipped with 3,700 solar panels, contributing to 27% of its power demands, ensuring a reduced carbon footprint.
The site’s strategic partnership with Mars is pivotal in advancing environmental goals, aiming to diminish Mars UK’s logistics carbon emissions by 7.7%. This initiative is expected to remove approximately a million miles from road transit each year, illustrating a commitment to sustainable operations.
During his visit, Prime Minister Sunak remarked on the significant £350 million investment made by DHL and Mars into the facility, highlighting the creation of hundreds of jobs. “Jobs create growth, and financial security which is one of my top priorities, and it was great to see this in action,” he stated. This underscores the Government’s focus on economic stability through strategic investments.
Saul Resnick, CEO of DHL Supply Chain UK and Ireland, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the Prime Minister. He noted the visit as a valuable opportunity for DHL’s workforce to demonstrate the vital role they play in maintaining the nation’s supply chain, while also touching on important industry matters.
The Prime Minister’s visit underscores the strategic importance of the London Gateway facility in both economic and environmental spheres.
