With a total of 110,000 sqm new warehousing space opened in October across two new sites in the UK GEODIS has significantly increased its Contract Logistics operation in Europe’s third biggest retail market.

Driven by demand for contract logistics services as a consequence of the retail e-Commerce boom that is no less apparent in the UK market than elsewhere in Europe, GEODIS has opened two new facilities: 40,000 sqm warehouse in the North of England in Doncaster and a 70,000 sqm logistics site at Lutterworth in the East Midlands region, providing employment for nearly 600 people, rising to 1,200 during the peak season.

Established in response to the increase in sales volumes of a high-profile international online retailer, the facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art automated technology, 18-metre, high-density racking and provide a combined capacity for processing up to 1.5 million units per week.

Stéphanie Hervé is COO, Western Europe, Middle East and Africa for GEODIS says: “Retailers are beefing up their ability to supply the burgeoning e-commerce sector via a nationally based distribution network. Our response is to help our established customers grow and to attract additional business with our skills and experience augmented by our innovative and specially designed IT/automated solutions for the online retail sector.”

Both locations are well-located in terms of access to national road networks and distribution to centres of population across the country will therefore be facilitated. Doncaster as well as Lutterworth are in areas of concentrated logistics and warehousing activity.