Chinese tech and ecommerce conglomerate Alibaba’s supply chain subsidiary secures third UK logistics hub
Cainiao UK Supply Chain, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chinese tech and ecommerce conglomerate Alibaba, specialising in last mile delivery in the UK has taken a 10-year lease at Prologis’ recently refurbished DC4 warehouse at Apex Park in Daventry, East Midlands.
By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters
THE PROPERTY, totalling 150,911 ft2, adds to the two facilities the company already operates in the UK which include the circa. 240,000 ft2 Unit 2 at Prologis Park Dunstable, and the 336,635 ft2 Unit 1 at Wilson Bowden and Goodman’s Leicester Commercial Park in the East Midlands. Both these buildings were initially let to 4PX Express, a sister subsidiary in 2016 and 2019 respectively.
It is thought that Cainiao has taken on the lease liabilities to both these buildings going forward.
Cainiao Global Supply Chain vice president Sun Beibei, said: “By signing a 10-year lease at Prologis Apex Park, we are making a clear, long-term commitment to the UK market. This significant investment reflects our confidence in continued growth and reinforces the stability and reliability of the logistics services we deliver to customers across the region.
Prologis Apex Park DC4’s recent refurbishment was delivered with a strong focus on sustainability, featuring advanced LED lighting, a solar PV array and EV charging infrastructure, resulting in an EPC A rating and supporting lower carbon operations. In addition the property was fitted out wide aisle racking and LED lighting installed through the Prologis Essentials programme enabling Cainiao to move in quickly and handle high-volume operations from day one.
The property has 12m eaves as well as 12 dock and two level access doors served by a 45m yard with 20 HGV spaces. It also has 10,774 ft2 of two stroey office space
Cainiao UK Supply Chain was incorporated in the UK in 2023 and in its accounts in the 18 months to 31 March 2025 it had a circa.£15 million turnover in the UK of which there was a £10.48 million turnover in warehousing services and £4.61 million turnover in logistics services.
In the accounts the compnay said: “Through a combination of propriety technology and local operations, Cainiao UK Supply Chain seeks to enhance fulfilment efficiency for Chinese sellers in Europe and lower their total logistics cost.”
It offers a Europe-wide 5-day delivery product and UK next day delivery through direct to consumer operations.
Prologis UK Leasing Director Tom Price, said: “As an existing global customer, we were able to move quickly on commercial terms, enabling this transaction to complete.”
The letting brings Prologis Apex Park to full occupancy, following the recent letting of the 156,995 ft2 DC3 unit to DHL to service a contract for tyre production company Bridgestone. DHL took a 10-year lease on the property.
Joint letting agents at Apex Park were Newmark and Drake & Partners.
