UNITED KINGDOM — Mars UK officially opened a new state-of-the-art warehousing facility in partnership with DHL. Located in the United Kingdom, the new facility represents the completion of Mars UK’s new “world-class” logistics operation set to advance the company’s sustainability efforts.

Mars UK invested £350 million (nearly $445.9 million USD) in the project. The facility, called London Thames Gateway, reaches 42 meters (nearly 138 feet) in height, making it one of the tallest distribution centers in Europe, according to Mars UK.

London Thames Gateway is part of Mars UK’s project to create a more sustainable, agile and smarter logistics network for its human and pet food products. The streamlined operations include automated pallet storage and retrieval (ASRS) technology, as well as high frequency equipment charging, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting and more, allowing the facility to use up to 30% less energy and reducing Mars UK’s logistics carbon footprint by 7.7%.

Source: DHL Supply Chain

The facility also features 3,700 solar panels that produce 27% of the facility’s power, and the plant has achieved BREEAM Outstanding accreditation. Alongside its sustainable operations, the new warehouse’s location features “strong transport links,” according to Mars UK, enabling the company to streamline both inbound and outbound distribution. This streamlining is expected to help the company remove one million miles of transport from roads annually.

“Today is a major milestone for Mars UK’s logistics operations and a meaningful step in our sustainability journey,” said Adam Grant, general manager, Mars Wrigley UK. “Over the past few years, our partnership with DHL has seen the completion of two pioneering facilities. Not only does this futureproof our distribution practices, it also puts into action Mars’ aim to create a world-class logistics operation that is sustainable, smart and agile.”

The London Thames Gateway facility joins Mars UK’s other sustainable logistics facility, called Midlands Gateway. Combined, the facilities represent Mars’ $1 billion Sustainable in a Generation plan, which aims to reduce the company’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 27% by 2025 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The logistics facilities will increase Mars UK’s warehousing capacity by more than 50% for its Petcare, Wrigley and Chocolate divisions. Mars UK currently transports more than 1.2 million pallets of products a year, including those from its Whiskas® and Pedigree® pet nutrition brands.

Source: DHL Supply Chain

Not only are the facilities set to provide several benefits for Mars UK, but the buildings also support DHL’s dedication to achieve net-zero logistics related emissions by 2050.

“This project with Mars UK further solidifies our belief that working with partners whose business and sustainability targets align with your own allows you to achieve the best results,” said Saul Resnick, chief executive officer of DHL Supply Chain United Kingdom and Ireland. “This partnership does exactly that — it represents a great example for others of how businesses can work together to reduce carbon footprint and create a more sustainable future. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Mars UK and supporting the company’s growth in the years to come.”

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