McDonald’s UK & Ireland and Martin Brower, a global leader in supply chain solutions, recently opened a state-of-the-art distribution centre in Darlington, representing a significant investment in the North East region, creating over 200 jobs for local people.
The 138,000 sq. ft. facility will supply more than 200 McDonald’s restaurants across the North East, ensuring fresher, faster deliveries for the region. The distribution centre’s opening will also reduce average drive times by one hour, saving approximately 2.5 million road miles every year, reducing carbon emissions across McDonald’s supply chain.
Demonstrating the sheer scale of the facility, over 70 suppliers bring more than 400 different products into the DC which are stored, sorted and delivered to over 200 restaurants.
The development is fully aligned with McDonald’s ambition of achieving net zero by 2040 and the reduction of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that is required to do this. The site has been built to BREEAM Excellent standards and features on‑site solar generation and an extensive electric vehicle infrastructure including 13 electric car chargers and 17 electric trailer points that support cleaner transport.
The opening was commemorated yesterday with an event attended by Members of Darlington Borough Council, including Leader Stephen Hark, who received a tour of the facility and were introduced to the team behind the project. Others in attendance included representatives from Martin Brower and McDonald’s, including Laura Henderson, Vice President of Suppy Chain at McDonald’s UK & Ireland and Parv Sangera, Managing Director at Martin Brower UK & Ireland.
Laura Henderson, vice president, supply chain at McDonald’s UK & Ireland, said: “The new distribution centre is a major milestone for our business and demonstrates our commitment to the North East. Investing in Darlington means investing in people, in local jobs, and in a more sustainable future. By cutting road miles, strengthening our network, and supporting local employment at scale, this centre shows how we can grow responsibly while supporting our customers and the communities we serve.”
Parv Sangera, managing director at Martin Brower UK & Ireland, said: ““We’re incredibly proud to open the doors to our Darlington facility, a project that reflects our long‑standing partnership with McDonald’s and our shared focus on resiliency, innovation, and sustainability. Built to BREEAM Excellent standards and incorporating a unique frozen‑chilled‑ambient cold chain, the centre represents a truly forward‑thinking approach. It shows what’s possible when we combine operational excellence with a strong commitment to the communities we serve.”
