DHL has launched plans to relocate its main Northern Ireland supply chain operation as part of a £18 million investment in Co Antrim.
Portadown developer JH Turkington is behind the application for the logistics giant, which would see it move into a new build 100,000 sq ft storage and distribution warehouse at the Ballyearl Business Park, along the A8 at Houston’s Corner, just outside Newtownabbey.
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.
A digitally rendered impression of how the new DHL Supply Chain warehouse could look at Ballyearl Business Park in Co Antrim.
The logistics company said it needs to modernise its 40-year facility, stating it is no longer suitable for the company’s growth and sustainability plans.
DHL said the building is outdated, at capacity, and constrained by traffic and parking issues.
It also said its 24/7 business model has because “a significant concern” for the expanding residential presence in the area, and stated that redeveloping its existing premises at the McKinney Industrial Estate would be ultimately unworkable and would require it shutting down.
The company 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 states DHL Supply Chain has already secured new business for the site, which it hopes will be operational by the middle of 2027.
A digitally rendered impression of how the new DHL Supply Chain warehouse could look at Ballyearl Business Park in Co Antrim.
The new plans for the warehouse development come after timber distributor James Latham launched a bid 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.