Delivery giant DHL has been given the green light relocate its main Northern Ireland supply chain operation as part of a £18 million investment in Co Antrim.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has approved the major development, which involves a new a new build 100,000 sq ft storage and distribution warehouse at the Ballyearl Business Park, along the A8 at Houston’s Corner.
The German headquartered delivery group currently employs around 200 people at its supply chain facility in Mallusk, which delivers around one million pallets and cages every year to 600 locations across the north.
DHL Supply Chain’s clients include Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Iceland, B&Q and Next.
The new facility is expected to result in the creation of around 60 new jobs, adding to its 700-strong existing workforce across Northern Ireland.
A digitally rendered impression of how the new DHL Supply Chain warehouse could look at Ballyearl Business Park in Co Antrim.
The application has been lodged by Portadown developer JH Turkington, who it’s understood will build the hub for the logistics group.
DHL has been based at Mallusk for around 40 years.
It wants to modernise, but said the existing facility is no longer suitable for the company’s growth and sustainability plans.
The logistics group described the Mallusk building as outdated and at capacity.
It also said the site is constrained by traffic and parking issues.
A digitally rendered impression of how the new DHL Supply Chain warehouse could look at Ballyearl Business Park in Co Antrim.
DHL said its 24/7 business model and expansion are potentially at odds with the expanding residential presence in the area.
The group also claimed that redeveloping its existing premises at the McKinney Industrial Estate would be ultimately unworkable, requiring a site shutdown.
DHL said it explored 29 potential development sites before settling on Ballyearl Business Park due to its proximity to its current location and its accessibility to the newly approved DHL Express site at Houston’s Business Park.
A report in support of the application said DHL Supply Chain had already secured new business for the site, which it hopes will be operational by the middle of 2027.
Last month, DHL reported that group revenue increased 13% year-on-year to €22.4 billion in the second quarter of 2026.
DHL’s CEO Tobias Meyer said the strong performance demonstrated “that the consistent execution of our strategic measures is paying off”.
He added: “Higher productivity and efficiency, combined with the strength of our global network, enable us to capitalize on growth opportunities and translate revenue growth into even stronger earnings growth.”
Meanwhile, planning officials it Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council are also currently considering a bid by timber distributor James Latham to construct a new £10m storage and distribution warehouse on the adjoining site.
Subject to planning approval, it would see James Latham PLC relocate its current northern base from Duncrue Street in Belfast.