Recipe-in-a-box retailer HelloFresh has announced the opening of its new Derby-based distribution centre, its largest in Europe and “one of the most sustainable” in the country.
The new warehouse, named The Windmill, is the retailer’s latest automated production facility, which is set to offer “even more choice and ability” to personalise meals.
HelloFresh said the warehouse has already created 300 jobs for the local community in roles including production operatives, maintenance engineers and management, with further vacancies anticipated.
HelloFresh said the site is a “launch pad” for future growth and innovation across the group and its brands in the UK.
The warehouse, which was developed in partnership with low-carbon food manufacturing campus SmartParc SEGRO Derby, is set to be “one of the most sustainable production facilities in the country”.
Some of its features that are set to “contribute to a more sustainable future” include a rainwater harvesting system, solar panels and a shared heating and cooling system.
Staff can also expect EV charging spaces at the facility, secure bike storage and a local bus service “aligned with production times”.
HelloFresh chief executive Adam Park said: “We are delighted to open our largest and most advanced European distribution centre, The Windmill, here in Derby.
“We have invested for over two years to build our latest automated production technology in Derby, particularly due to its incredibly diverse and skilled talent pool. This site and its cutting-edge technology will allow the handling of great complexity in our production to give customers even more choices while creating hundreds of jobs and opportunities for talented people in the local area to build skills and careers in a growing space.
“Derby’s great connectivity also means we can provide an even better delivery experience for our UK customers with 80% of customers now being within a four-hour drive of where the product is made.
“All in all, we are delighted to be in Derby and look forward to contributing to this great community as we partner on an exciting journey of growth and innovation we have planned for HelloFresh and Green Chef in the UK.”
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