Waitrose’s new South West distribution centre to create 550 jobs
Waitrose has announced that its first distribution centre in the South West will create over 550 new jobs.
The 360,000 square foot facility in Avonmouth in Bristol will be run by logistics company DHL which will begin recruiting for 480 warehouse colleagues and 80 drivers in the spring, ahead of the site opening in early 2027.
Waitrose said the new site will be instrumental in its plans to transform its supply chain as part of a multi-year £1 billion investment. It will also make deliveries more efficient for the 50 existing shops in the South West and will support future expansion.
It will be Waitrose’s most sustainable distribution centre to date with energy efficient systems, extensive natural light, and a roof made of 1,200 solar panels.
The retailer has also invested in new technology, including AI customer demand forecasting, while also improving the experience of people working in its supply chain by reducing manual processes.
Waitrose opened a new shop in The Arches in Bristol last autumn and is also planning to launch a full-line supermarket in the new 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.”
