DHL Supply Chain to build warehouse at DP World London Gateway

1 min readUpdated Nov 19, 2020Nov 20, 202011:15 PM

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DHL will construct the brand-new bespoke facility at Plot 3040 on London Gateway’s Logistics Park with the main facility build due to commence in early 2021. On completion, DHL will lease the facility from DP World London Gateway.

The 42m high bay warehouse will feature 36m of clear internal eaves height. DHL said it would be fully automated and ready for operation in early 2023.

When completed, the facility will be the largest single-unit at London Gateway’s Logistics Park.

Oliver Treneman, Park Development Director at DP World London Gateway, said: “The most striking feature of this new letting is DHL’s significant investment in automation that underpins its commitment to this strategic location.”

DHL joins UPS, Dixons Carphone, MADE.COM, Lidl, Ceva Logistics, P&O Ferrymasters, Halo Handling (SH Pratt), Ziegler UK and Compagnie Fruitiere at DP World London Gateway.

DP World sponsored the Supply Chain Excellence Awards 2020. Discover how it feels to win a Supply Chain Excellence Award by watching the virtual ceremony on-demand.

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What this means

DHL's substantial investment in a highly automated, 42m high bay warehouse at DP World London Gateway represents a decisive move to bolster its UK logistics capacity and efficiency. This strategic commitment, mirroring the expansionist vision seen in brand growth across Asia, will likely pressure existing London Gateway operators such as UPS and Ceva Logistics to modernise their own infrastructure or risk falling behind. While focused on the UK, this reflects a global trend of logistics providers enhancing capabilities to support retail. The high degree of automation mitigates labour costs and speeds throughput, although initial setup costs are high. The move is well-positioned for future supply chain demands. We await an update on its operational impact in early 2023.

Rajiv Menon · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

What is the timeline for the new DHL facility at London Gateway?

The main construction of the facility is expected to begin in early 2021. DHL anticipates the fully automated warehouse will be ready for operation in early 2023.

What are the key physical characteristics of the new DHL warehouse?

The new facility will be a 42m high bay warehouse with 36m of clear internal eaves height. It will be fully automated and, upon completion, the largest single-unit at London Gateway’s Logistics Park.

Which other companies already have facilities at DP World London Gateway?

DHL will be joining several other companies at the Logistics Park. These include UPS, Dixons Carphone, MADE.COM, Lidl, Ceva Logistics, P&O Ferrymasters, Halo Handling (SH Pratt), Ziegler UK, and Compagnie Fruitiere.

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