Germany-based logistics provider DHL has launched plans to relocate its main Northern Ireland supply chain operation as part of an £18 million (€21.3 million) investment in County Antrim, according to reporting in The Irish News.

Portadown developer JH Turkington has lodged the application on behalf of the logistics company for a new 100,000-square-foot storage and distribution warehouse at Ballyearl Business Park along the A8 at Houston's Corner, just outside Newtownabbey.

DHL currently employs around 200 people at its supply chain facility in Mallusk, which delivers approximately one million pallets and cages every year to 600 locations across Northern Ireland. DHL Supply Chain's clients include Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Iceland, B&Q and Next. The new facility is expected to result in the creation of around 60 new jobs.

The logistics company stated it needs to modernise its 40-year facility, noting it is no longer suitable for the company's growth and sustainability plans. DHL stated the building is outdated, at capacity and constrained by traffic and parking issues.

The company added that its 24/7 business model has become "a significant concern" for the expanding residential presence in the area, whilst stating that redeveloping its existing premises at the McKinney Industrial Estate would be ultimately unworkable and would require it shutting down.

DHL explored 29 potential development sites before settling on Ballyearl Business Park due to its proximity to its current location and its accessibility to the newly approved DHL Express site at Houston's Business Park. A report supporting the application states DHL Supply Chain has already secured new business for the site, which it hopes will be operational by the middle of 2027.

Read the complete details of DHL's £18 million Northern Ireland supply chain facility relocation plans.