The state-of-the-art Sustainable Distribution Centre (SDC) represents a significant investment in future-ready supply chains, bringing together advanced automation, smart warehouse technologies and low-carbon operations to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen supply chain resilience and support customers’ evolving business and sustainability objectives.

The new distribution centre has been designed to deliver greater operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact. By combining advanced warehouse automation, digital technologies and sustainable infrastructure, the facility creates a scalable platform capable of supporting long-term customer growth and increasingly complex supply chain requirements. 

The Northampton facility spans approximately 1.2 million square feet and is expected to employ around 150 people, reinforcing Yusen Logistics’ long-term commitment to the UK market and the Northamptonshire region.

The facility has been specifically designed to support the next generation of supply chains through the integration of automation, smart warehouse technology and operational excellence. Visitors attending the opening ceremony were given first-hand insight into how innovation and digitalization are transforming modern distribution operations and helping businesses respond to rapidly changing market demands. 

The opening ceremony welcomed customers, business leaders, community representatives and political stakeholders, including local Members of Parliament and regional dignitaries, highlighting the strategic importance of the investment for the wider region.

Mike Reader, Labour MP for Northampton South was in attendance. He said: “Yusen Logistics’ investment in this remarkable new Sustainable Distribution Centre is a powerful vote of confidence in Northampton, our workforce and the wider Northamptonshire economy.

“Not only will the facility employ 150 people, it demonstrates what the next generation of logistics can look like, technologically advanced, productive and environmentally responsible.

“By bringing together innovation, sustainability, skills and operational expertise, this centre will strengthen Northamptonshire’s position as a leading logistics hub and create opportunities for local people and communities for many years to come.” 

Designed with sustainability at its foundation, the Sustainable Distribution Centre incorporates a wide range of environmentally responsible features, including solar energy generation, rainwater harvesting systems, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, low-carbon operational technologies and resource-efficient processes. These initiatives contributed to the facility achieving a BREEAM Outstanding rating, one of the highest standards for sustainable building performance. 

The investment reflects Yusen Logistics’ broader commitment to reducing environmental impact while delivering operational excellence for customers. Through continued investment in sustainable infrastructure and innovative technologies, the company aims to build supply chains that are not only efficient and resilient, but also better aligned with future environmental expectations. 

“Today marks an important milestone for our business,” said David Evans, Managing Director, Yusen Logistics UK. “The Sustainable Distribution Centre has been developed to meet the evolving needs of customers and global supply chains. By bringing together advanced technology, efficient operations and a highly skilled workforce, we are building a future-ready logistics platform that delivers long-term value for our customers while supporting sustainable growth.”

KEY STATS

Company Yusen Logistics (UK) Ltd 

Facility Name Sustainable Distribution Centre (SDC)

Location Unit 4 Roman Road, Milton Malsor, Northampton, United Kingdom

Facility Size 1.2 million sq ft (Nearly 111,000 m2)

Storage Capacity 236,000 pallet positions

Operational Since June 2026  

Official Opening Ceremony September 2026

Primary Function Advanced contract logistics facility incorporating warehouse automation technologies to support efficient, scalable, and sustainable supply chain operations

Key Features

• Warehouse Automation: 

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and 4-way pallet shuttle systems

• Sustainable Design:

Developed with a net-zero carbon design to support sustainability objectives

• Multiuser Flexibility:  

Scalable warehousing solutions for e-commerce, retail, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors

• Strategic Connectivity:  

Direct access to M1 Junction 15 and rail freight connections

• Temperature-Controlled Operations:   

Dedicated zones suitable for healthcare and pharmaceutical logistics requirements