Parcel delivery company DPD has opened a major new distribution centre in County Durham, with the facility capable of handling 50,000 parcels a day and potentially creating up to 250 jobs.
The 63,000 sq ft site at Forrest Park, near Darlington, forms part of a multimillion-pound investment programme aimed at expanding the company's delivery network across the UK.
Located beside Junction 59 of the A1(M), the purpose-built facility is expected to significantly increase DPD's capacity in the North East as demand for parcel deliveries continues to grow.
The opening comes ahead of what the company expects to be a record-breaking Black Friday and Christmas trading period.
Equipped with a fully automated parcel sorting system, the new centre can process up to 50,000 parcels daily, helping the business manage increasing delivery volumes.
Plans also include accommodating more than 100 additional delivery driver routes, giving the operation capacity to expand over the coming years.
The development could create up to 250 additional jobs as DPD increases its presence in the region, although the company has not confirmed how many positions have already been filled.
The facility has been developed to BREEAM Excellent standards, reflecting the company's focus on improving the environmental performance of its buildings.
BREEAM is an internationally recognised sustainability assessment method used to evaluate the environmental performance of buildings, including their energy efficiency and resource management.
DPD says the investment forms part of its longer-term strategy to modernise its national distribution network while maintaining reliable next-day delivery services.
Justin Pegg, DPD UK chief executive, welcomed the opening ahead of the company's busiest trading period.
"I'm delighted to see our brand-new Darlington DC open on schedule as we head towards our busiest time of the year."
He said the new facility would play an important role in supporting the company's operations during the expected seasonal surge in parcel volumes.
"We are planning for a record Black Friday and Christmas peak period this year and our network of over 80 distribution centres is absolutely key to the campaign."
The company has invested heavily in purpose-built distribution facilities over the past 15 years, replacing and expanding parts of its network to improve efficiency and increase capacity.
According to DPD, most of its distribution centres are now purpose-built facilities, equipped with automated systems to support its seven-day-a-week, next-day delivery operations.
Pegg said the continued investment was essential to meeting customer expectations as parcel volumes increase.
"This is an ongoing programme and we have consistently invested in building brand new DCs for the last 15 years."
The Darlington development is one of seven new distribution centres announced by DPD in March 2025 as part of a two-year expansion programme.
It follows the opening of similar facilities in Crawley and Sittingbourne earlier in 2026, bringing the number of newly completed centres under the programme to three.
In July, the company also confirmed plans for a fourth purpose-built 63,000 sq ft distribution centre at Tritax Park Queens' Cambridge.
The investment programme is intended to strengthen DPD's delivery infrastructure, providing additional sorting capacity and supporting continued growth in parcel volumes.
The latest opening also represents a potential employment boost for County Durham, with the new roles expected to support both distribution operations and delivery services.
The fully automated sorting equipment is designed to increase the speed and efficiency of parcel handling, particularly during periods of high demand.
With the Black Friday and Christmas shopping periods approaching, the new Darlington centre will provide additional capacity at a critical time for the delivery industry.
DPD operates more than 80 distribution centres across the UK, forming a network that supports its nationwide parcel delivery services.
The company says its continued investment in automation, purpose-built facilities and sustainable development will help it meet growing customer demand while maintaining service standards.
The opening of the Darlington centre marks another stage in that expansion, with further facilities planned as DPD continues to develop its national distribution network.