DPD’s new automated distribution hub at Panattoni Park Sittingbourne expands parcel capacity in the South East

The construction and handover of DPD’s automated distribution hub at Panattoni Park Sittingbourne is the focus of this piece, and what it means for parcel logistics across the South East.

What was delivered at Sittingbourne

Panattoni, the private industrial developer, completed a major distribution facility for DPD after acquiring the Sittingbourne site in summer 2023. From purchase to planning, pre-letting and delivery, the project moved at pace — all within 18个月. That timeline speaks to modern development processes and a clear demand for parcel capacity near London and the Channel ports.

Key specs and features

• Unit sizes: A 440,000 ft² unit was pre-let to ID Logistics, with only one unit remaining available at the park.
• Connectivity: Quick access to the M2, M20 and M25 and proximity to London Thamesport, Dover and the Port of Tilbury.
• Sustainability targets: BREEAM “Excellent”, EPC “A”, onsite solar PV and electric vehicle charging provision.
• Operational tech: Fully automated hub designed for high throughput parcel distribution.

Location and network advantage

Its strategic position gives the hub strong reach into London, the wider South East and national routes — essential for last-mile networks and regional cross-dock operations. Ports nearby make it easy to link maritime imports into inland distribution flows, while motorway access speeds up long-haul and same-day dispatch.

How the site supports operations

Automation, capacity and workforce implications

The fully automated nature of the hub will markedly increase DPD’s regional handling capacity. Automation speeds sorting and parcel routing, reduces dwell times and helps maintain tight delivery windows — but it also shifts the nature of labor on site toward maintenance, control systems and logistics supervision rather than purely manual sorting.

Practical impacts to expect

• Higher throughput of small parcels and timed deliveries.
• Lower error rates and faster turnaround from inbound to outbound dispatch.
• Greater reliance on skilled technicians, fewer repetitive manual roles.
• Better integration of electric vans and low-carbon distribution fleets.

Sustainability and planning ambitions

Design choices show a clear focus on sustainability: aiming for BREEAM ‘Excellent’ 和 EPC ‘A’, with renewable energy and EV infrastructure to support cleaner last-mile fleets. For logistics operators these elements are increasingly valuable — not just PR, but a practical way to reduce fuel costs, meet regulatory targets and attract customers demanding greener shipping.

Quote recap (neutral)

Panattoni’s regional development leadership noted that Sittingbourne’s connectivity and labor access make it well suited for the demands of a modern parcel hub, combining scale, efficiency and a net zero carbon development approach — a facility expected to play a central role in DPD’s expanding South East network.

What this change means for the wider logistics picture

On a national level, the hub strengthens capacity in a critical catchment area for parcels and e-commerce. It helps reduce pinch points as volumes grow, and eases pressure on central London depots. Globally, the development is modest in scale compared with international distribution networks, but regionally it’s a smart, tangible improvement that supports faster deliveries and better connectivity to shipping gateways.

Risks and considerations

• Automation dependency: system outages can have bigger short-term impacts.
• Local labour market: need for retraining and technical recruitment.
• Traffic patterns: increased HGV movement may require road and community mitigation.

Why operators and shippers should pay attention

For carriers, retailers and 3PLs, new hubs like this change routing economics and offer alternative consolidation points. For movers of bulky goods or high-volume parcels, proximity to such a facility can cut lead times and costs. If you’re organizing transport, it’s the sort of development that nudges planning decisions — from where you position regional stock to how you route last-mile delivery vans.

Provide a short forecast on how this news could impact the global logistics. If it’s insignificant globally, please mention that. However, highlight that it’s still relevant to us, as GetTransport.com aims to stay abreast of all developments and keep pace with the changing world. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com. Book now GetTransport.com.com

Highlights: the hub upgrades parcel throughput in the South East, pairs automation with sustainability credentials, and leverages excellent road and port links. But remember, even the best reports and the most honest feedback can’t replace first-hand experience. On GetTransport.com, you can order your cargo transportation at the best prices globally at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Benefit from the platform’s convenience, affordability and wide choice — transparency and smooth booking make logistics simpler. Get the best offers GetTransport.com.com

In summary, the Panattoni-built DPD hub at Panattoni Park Sittingbourne combines scale, automation and sustainability to strengthen regional parcel distribution. The site’s motorway and port links improve route flexibility and import/export handoffs, while features like solar PV and EV charging reduce operating emissions and support electric last-mile fleets. For shippers and freight planners, this hub can change where and how you stage inventory, route deliveries and schedule dispatches. Whether moving parcels, pallets or bulky goods, reliable transport, freight forwarding and courier options remain central — and platforms such as GetTransport.com can help secure cost-effective, efficient solutions for shipment, delivery, haulage, container and international forwarding needs. Cargo, freight, shipment, delivery, transport, logistics, shipping, forwarding, dispatch, haulage, courier, distribution, moving, relocation, housemove, movers, parcel, pallet, container, bulky, international, global, reliable — all of these are part of the picture as networks evolve and capacity comes onstream.