The move is part of a wider automation strategy aimed at meeting growing demand in the e-commerce and life sciences healthcare sectors. It also aligns with DHL Group’s global Strategy 2030, which focuses on scaling digital operations and supporting resilient supply chains.
The investment follows €1 billion already spent by DHL Supply Chain on automation across the UK, Ireland and EMEA in the past three years, including more than 3,200 digitalisation projects.
As part of the rollout, DHL is introducing Boston Dynamics’ Stretch Robot to the UK for the first time. The robot is capable of unloading up to 700 boxes per hour, reducing physical strain on staff and increasing productivity in high-volume environments such as e-commerce fulfilment centres.
A new DHL Health Logistics facility will also open in Derby, equipped with cold chain and cleanroom capabilities. The site is designed to support the expanding life sciences sector, which DHL says is expected to grow at double-digit rates in the UK over the next five years.
More than 2,000 robots are currently in use across DHL’s UK, Ireland and EMEA sites, including over 750 assisted picking robots from Locus Robotics and 6 River Systems operating at 18 locations.
Tim Tetzlaff, Global Head of Digital Transformation at DHL Supply Chain, said:
“We’re expanding our fulfilment capabilities to support fast-growing sectors with automated solutions that simplify high-volume operations.”
The announcement coincides with the UK Government’s launch of its first Trade Strategy since leaving the EU. The strategy aims to unlock £5 billion in new global market opportunities and strengthen the UK’s position as a trading nation.
