Yodel unveils major distribution depot in wake of recent rescue deal

Liverpool-based UK parcel delivery group, Yodel, which was rescued in a takeover deal last month, has opened a new 162,000 sq ft depot in Huyton, South Liverpool.

The new depot features the latest in automation technology and has potential to double Yodel’s capacity in the North West.

Alongside the latest automation, Yodel is investing in people and final mile infrastructure at the depot. When fully operational, it will handle thousands of parcels a day serving customers across the region.

The investment in the new site follows a year of record growth for the business as its retail client portfolio has expanded alongside the rapid growth of Yodel’s Customer-to-Customer service, Yodel Direct.

Volumes through Yodel’s Out of Home (OOH) network, which provides a convenient way to pick up and drop off parcels at more than 6,000 shops across the UK, more than doubled in the last year.

Alongside significant growth in volumes over the past year, Yodel has achieved record customer service levels, and the investment in Huyton is part of its ongoing commitment to improve services for its extensive client base and customers through technology and innovation.

In the past year downloads of Yodel’s app rose by 30% to more than 3.5 million downloads and its Trustpilot score rose to 4.1 stars.

The Huyton depot also underscores Yodel’s long term commitment to more sustainable deliveries.

Built by GMI Construction Group (GMI) to a Net Zero Carbon standard, the new depot features solar panels and EV charging points. It is also on target to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating for the success the construction has had in minimising pollution and protecting the surrounding habitat.

Mike Hancox, Yodel, chief executive, said: “This investment in the North West builds on our existing presence in the region, which will support our retail clients and their customers, ensuring we can continue to meet demands as the ecommerce market continues to grow.”

Yodel was acquired on February 13 by a privately funded consortium, protecting thousands of jobs.

It was owned by the Barclay family, which also controls online retail group Very, also based in the south Liverpool district of Speke.

A newly-formed company called YDLGP, backed by Jacob Corlett, founder of international parcel delivery group Shift, and merchant bank Solano Partners, concluded the takeover deal.

Yodel delivers parcels for customers including the food delivery service Gousto, Argos, Vinted and Very Group, from around 50 depots throughout the UK. The Barclay family had been keen to find a buyer for Yodel in recent weeks.

Speaking with Sky News at the time, Mike Hancox said: “We’re extremely excited to begin the next chapter of Yodel’s journey, leveraging the scale of our business with the support of new shareholders and the future benefits of the Shift technology platform.

“Our customers have always been our priority and the transaction announced today allows us to ensure continuity for them, as well as our employees and wider stakeholders.”