As part of its commitment to driving its sustainability and automation agenda, Yusen Logistics (UK) has recently unveiled its new Sustainable Distribution Centre (SDC) at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton.
The result of a £280m investment and spanning in the region of 1.2 million square feet, the facility is set to become a benchmark of how large-scale logistics infrastructure can integrate cutting-edge technology and multi-user flexibility with the increasing need for environmental responsibility.
Yusen Logistics provides international freight forwarding (by air or sea), contract logistics and warehousing, and transportation either as standalone products or as part of a broader offering as a supply chain logistics partner, managing goods from any point in the supply chain from manufacture or sourcing through to delivery at their final destination.
The Northampton SDC has been conceived as a next- generation logistics hub, combining automation technologies such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), and pallet shuttle systems. These systems are complemented by automated pick-and-pack solutions and sustainable packaging processes, enabling customers to align their supply chains with increasingly stringent ESG requirements.
Operationally, the SDC offers significant capacity and versatility. It provides approximately 236,000 pallet spaces and includes 70 loading docks, six level-access doors, and 220 truck parking spaces. Temperature-controlled zones support both ambient and chilled storage, enabling compliance with stringent healthcare standards such as MHRA and GDP requirements. This positions the site as a critical hub for pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics, in addition to broader multi-sector applications.
The development has been delivered in collaboration with leading developer and manager of industrial property SEGRO with Winvic as construction partner.
Operational capacity has been strengthened by the successful deployment of Geek+’s Shelf-to-Person automation system, delivered in partnership with integrator Logistex. This advanced automated picking solution is designed to significantly enhance operational efficiency by reducing manual handling and increasing accuracy. For a shared-user facility serving multiple industries in addition to pharmaceutical and healthcare including retail, e-commerce and automotive, the level of flexibility and scalability it provides is critical. The automation also supports Yusen Logistics’ broader sustainability goals by optimising energy use and minimising operational waste.
Strategically located close to Junction 15 of the M1, the site offers exceptional connectivity, offering access to around 90% of the UK population within a four-hour drive time. Its proximity to the Northampton Strategic Rail Freight Interchange further strengthens its capabilities, enabling customers to shift inbound freight from road to rail and achieve meaningful reductions in carbon emissions. This integration of road and rail logistics is expected to play a critical role in decarbonising supply chains.
Sustainability is central to the design and operation of the facility. The building has achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating and was engineered to achieve net-zero carbon during construction. When fully operational, it is projected to deliver annual carbon savings of approximately 418 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (Scope 1) and 498 tonnes (Scope 2). A roof solar array is expected to generate around 1,850 MWh of renewable energy in its first year.
Additional environmental features include smart lighting systems, rainwater harvesting and extensive electric vehicle infrastructure, with charging points for 220 cars as well as provisions for electric trucks. Yusen Logistics has an all-electric company car fleet at the site, reinforcing its Zero Carbon programme, which prioritises renewable energy procurement.
The facility has been designed with employee wellbeing and community integration in mind. It is surrounded by a 235-acre landscaped park featuring footpaths, cycle routes, wetlands and more than 60,000 newly planted trees. Enhanced bicycle storage and green commuting options support the company’s sustainability ethos while at the same time improving the working environment for staff.
David Evans, Managing Director at Yusen Logistics (UK ) believes the Northampton SDC represents a benchmark for the future of logistics.
“We have committed to achieving sustainable logistics services by 2030, and this facility is a central component of that strategy,” he said. “Combining automation, renewable energy and multimodal transport solutions, the site is designed to deliver operational excellence alongside measurable environmental benefits.
“And more broadly, an investment like this under- scores our position as a global supply chain provider with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. We have operations spanning Europe and worldwide capabilities across contract logistics, freight forwarding, and supply chain consulting, and we hope we can leverage our scale to drive transformation across the logistics sector.”
The Northampton SDC it is expected to set new standards for shared-user warehousing in the UK with its blend of advanced automation, strategic location and impressive sustainability measures. For the distribution sector, it illustrates how logistics infrastructure can evolve to meet the dual demands of efficiency and environmental stewardship, while for customers, it offers a future-ready platform capable of supporting resilient, low-carbon supply chains in an increasingly complex and demanding market.
Find out more about Yusen Logistics (UK) on their website.
