DHL Supply Chain commits £550M to Robotics and Healthcare expansion

DHL Supply Chain has announced a £550 million (€637 million) investment to expand its infrastructure and accelerate automation across the UK and Ireland. The strategy focuses on meeting rising demand in e-commerce and life sciences while reinforcing the region’s role within DHL’s global network.

Over 1,000 additional robots will be deployed, adding to the 2,000 already in place across the UK, Ireland and EMEA. Partnerships with robotics innovators are central, including the UK’s first deployment of Boston Dynamics’ Stretch Robot, capable of unloading 700 boxes per hour. DHL says such automation reduces physical strain on staff while boosting speed and productivity in high-volume environments.

A core element of the investment is the opening of a new Health Logistics facility in Derby, tailored to the life sciences sector, which is expected to deliver double-digit growth in the UK over the next five years. Equipped with cold chain and cleanroom capabilities, the site strengthens DHL’s ability to manage complexity and deliver patient-centric solutions across its global health logistics network.

CEO Saul Resnick emphasised that customers are seeing faster returns from digitisation, with the long-term investment ensuring DHL remains the leading supply chain partner for growth industries. Tim Tetzlaff, Global Head of Digital Transformation, added that automation will be pivotal to meeting rising demand in healthcare and beyond.

The announcement dovetails with the UK Government’s new Trade Strategy, highlighting DHL’s role in bolstering global trade links and ensuring resilient supply chains for British businesses.

Read more about DHL’s £550M commitment and what it means for the future of automation in supply chains.