Waitrose to create more than 550 jobs with first South West distribution site

Waitrose is to open its first distribution centre in the South West, creating more than 550 jobs as part of a wider overhaul of its supply chain.The new site, in Avonmouth, Bristol, will be operated by logistics company DHL and is due to open in early 2027. It will serve around 50 existing Waitrose shops across the region and is intended to support future store expansion.

DHL will begin recruiting in the spring, with plans to hire about 480 warehouse staff and 80 drivers ahead of the opening.

Waitrose said the Avonmouth facility would be its most sustainable distribution centre to date. The building has been rated BREEAM Outstanding – the highest classification under the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, a standard used to assess the environmental performance of buildings.

The warehouse includes a roof fitted with about 1,200 solar panels, energy-efficient systems, extensive natural light and landscaped outdoor areas, including a roof terrace. Lorries serving the site will refuel at a nearby biomethane refuelling station, which the retailer said is the largest of its kind in the world.

The company estimates the new distribution centre will cut supply chain mileage sufficiently to reduce carbon emissions by about 2,225 tonnes of CO2 a year, which it said was equivalent to removing more than 1,500 vehicles from the road annually.

The Avonmouth development forms part of a multi-year £1bn investment programme aimed at modernising the Waitrose brand and its operations. The retailer is investing across all 317 of its stores and in its logistics network as it seeks to improve product availability and efficiency.

As part of the programme, Waitrose has introduced new technology in its supply chain, including artificial intelligence-based customer demand forecasting, designed to reduce manual processes and improve working conditions for staff.

The new distribution centre is expected to make deliveries more efficient for stores in the South West while increasing capacity for future growth.

Waitrose has recently expanded its retail presence in Bristol, opening a new shop at The Arches last autumn. It is also planning to open a full-line supermarket at the Brabazon development in the city.

Alison Maffin, Waitrose’s supply chain director, said: “As we grow, it’s essential that our supply chain grows with us. This new site strengthens our network, ensuring consistent service for our customers and creating over 550 jobs in a state-of-the-art facility. DHL shares our commitment to sustainable logistics, making them the perfect partner for this next phase of our expansion.”

Martin Willmor, CEO, DHL Supply Chain UKI, added: “We are excited to be working with Waitrose as they expand their regional presence while reducing supply chain emissions. The new Bristol site reflects our shared commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, whilst supporting the community.”