Amazon is to close seven of its last mile delivery stations following its announcement last week that it is shutting three fulfilment centres as it reconfigures its supply chain in the UK.
The online retailer and 3PL will be closing a delivery station on Rolling Mill Road in Jarrow, South Tyneside, which it only opened in 2020 in addition to the 41,524ft² depot at Hillwoood and Goya Devlopment’s 170,000ft² North Gatwick Gateway scheme in Horley, Surrey, three miles north of the airport.
Other delivery station closures include facilities in Huntingdon, Horley, Newcastle, Birmingham, and Hemel Hempstead. Amazon will open new delivery stations in Havant, Hampshire, and Aylesford, Kent, while replacing existing, older delivery stations in Portsmouth and Aylesford, where employees at those sites will transfer to the new buildings.
Amazon said it was “always evaluating” its network to “make sure it fits” its business requirements.
“As part of that effort, we may close older sites, enhance existing facilities, or open new sites, and we’ve launched a consultation on the proposed closure of three fulfilment centres in 2023,” a spokesperson said.
“All employees affected by site closure consultations will be offered the opportunity to transfer to other facilities, and we remain committed to our customers, employees, and communities across the UK.”
As reported in Logistics Manager last week, Amazon announced last week that it will be opening two new mega fulfilment centres in the UK – which are thought to be a 2.325 million ft² facility in Peddimore as well as a 2.01 million ft² multi-storey warehouse in Stockton-on-Tees. The new mega sheds will create an estimated 2,500 jobs.
