DB Schenker invests in all-new Manchester facility
DB Schenker is showing its ongoing commitment to the Greater Manchester area with the purchase of a new site and a purpose-built development which will more than double the size of its existing facility. Manchester represents the largest city region economy outside London and the 2.3 acre site at Trafford Park will offer almost 50,000 square feet of warehousing and office space.
The new site on Mosely Road will enable DB Schenker to continue providing essential logistics services to existing and new customers, promoting the city’s growth and development and to cater for its own expansion in air, ocean, land and contract logistics across the region. Relocation of employees is planned for the autumn.
Once established at its EPC A-rated Trafford Park facility, DB Schenker aims to actively recruit across a variety of roles from sales to warehouse operatives. The move will also mean it can continue to support an apprenticeship program in the UK which has flourished for the last two decades, developing and cultivating local talent.
“Our intention with the opening of our new facility in this important part of the country is to continue to invest in infrastructure and people. Our operational model is constantly evolving and we clearly intend this facility in Manchester to be part of our future. We shall look to strengthen our team further with top quality talent." Says DB Schenker’s Adrian Jennings, Ocean Director UK & IE.
The new facility will have various features to support DB Schenker's operations and employee needs. It will contain an X-ray machine for screening air freight and designated zones for consolidating shipments across all transport modes.
The ground floor will have the land transport team and a staff break room. The first floor will house the air and ocean teams. The top floor will contain spaces for learning and meetings. It will also have kitchen and lounge areas.
In line with DB Schenker’s environmental and sustainability commitments, the new Manchester site will see 50% of its roof area covered by solar panels and at ground level there will be a series of electric charging points to cater to both the company’s electric trucks and staff vehicles.
Employee wellness will be emphasised with a treadmill, gym equipment, and a pool table. There will be a quiet space for meditation, mindfulness, and reading. Other amenities being considered are standing desks, an outdoor eating space, fresh fruit, showers, and TVs in community areas.
The facility is designed to enable workflow while also promoting health, morale, and collaboration. Different floors are tailored to DB Schenker's air, ocean, and land groups. The variety of amenities aim to support productivity, comfort, and work-life balance.
DB Schenker has been actively supported throughout the purchase and build process by MIDAS (the Manchester Inward investment organization) and Trafford Council.
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, says: “This is great news for Trafford and supports the Council’s priorities regarding job creation and business growth. Thank you to DB Schenker for selecting Trafford for this exciting expansion project. We look forward to working closely with DB Schenker now and in the future.”
“It’s welcome news that DB Schenker plans to further cement their commitment in Greater Manchester with this investment. The city-region is passionate about encouraging a sustainable future and at the heart of the UK’s largest manufacturing cluster, has ambitious net zero targets with a highly skilled workforce to match. MIDAS has worked closely with the business to support this expansion and look forward to continuing this collaborative approach.” Adds Arthur Smith, Head of Key Account Management at MIDAS, Greater Manchester’s Inward Investment Agency.
Trafford Park was the first purpose built Industrial Park in the World with over 9,000,000 square feet of business space and remains one of the largest and most successful Business Parks in Europe.