Hermes boost depot capacity in South East

Hermes has expanded its depot network in the South East of England with the opening of two sites in West Thurrock and Maidstone to handle expected increases in parcel volumes during the peak Christmas period and beyond. The West Thurrock depot at Weston Avenue is an additional location to the company's nationwide network, whilst the Maidstone facility at Quarry Wood Industrial Estate replaces an existing depot in Rochester and doubles warehouse capacity.

The West Thurrock facility totals more than 52,000 sq ft of warehousing, office and ancillary space. The warehouse includes six loading bays and the fenced site provides secure loading and yard areas. The depot is located close to Lakeside Shopping Centre and the QE2 Dartford Bridge, with access to the A13 and M25. More than 60 jobs will be created in a range of management, administration, warehouse and driver roles.

Meanwhile, the 47,000 sq ft Maidstone depot includes 32,017 sq ft of warehousing with six loading bays and 7,660 sq ft of office space, providing a maximum throughput of 40,000 parcels per night. The Quarry Wood Industrial Estate is located close to the A20 giving good access to the UK motorway network via the M20.

Carole Woodhead, CEO of Hermes in the UK commented:

"We are experiencing considerable increases in parcel volumes within the south east of England, so we needed to increase capacity within the region to meet current and future requirements. These latest developments are part of a nationwide initiative that will see a number of enhancements to our depot and hub network in the build up to the peak Christmas period."