Aldi is accelerating its growth plan in the UK with the launch of operations at the British retailer's largest distribution center. The group has made its first delivery from its new logistics hub in Bardon, Leicestershire, an investment of over £500 million intended to strengthen the distribution network and support the brand's expansion across the country.
The facility represents one of the retailer's most ambitious projects and is part of the £1,6 billion investment program announced for 2026-2027. Once fully operational, the site will serve nearly 350 Aldi stores across the UK and will be able to handle approximately seven million pallets per year, also serving as a national supply hub for the group's entire logistics network.
With a floor space of 1,3 million square feet, or over 120 square meters, Bardon is the largest warehouse in the British food retail sector. Its size is large enough to house approximately 65 Aldi supermarkets or nearly 17 standard football pitches.
The opening of the center represents a key step in the brand's strategy, which aims to consolidate its position as the UK's most convenient supermarket. Thanks to its high level of automation and installed technologies, the new center will increase operational efficiency and reduce costs along the supply chain.
“The cutting-edge technologies in Bardon will significantly increase the efficiency of our warehouse network, allowing us to continue to offer customers the best possible prices every day,” said Giles Hurley, managing director of Aldi UK and Ireland.
The retailer's goal remains to make quality grocery shopping accessible to all British consumers and to further expand its presence in the country. Aldi aims to reach 1.500 stores in the UK in the coming years, supporting growth with new stores and logistics infrastructure.
The Bardon center will employ approximately 1,000 people, including transfers from other sites and new hires. The facility consists of five connected buildings, with areas dedicated to ambient, refrigerated, and frozen products.
Particular attention has also been paid to sustainability. The warehouse has the lowest carbon footprint of the entire Aldi South group and features 19 solar panels installed on the roof, capable of covering the site's entire energy needs at times.
To build the facility, Aldi collaborated with technology partners Dematic and Cimcorp, who installed automated storage systems capable of receiving, sorting, and storing products until they are shipped to stores. This innovation, according to the company, will help keep prices low for consumers and support the chain's long-term growth.
