Freight News, Logistics


Arvato eyes UK expansion 

[ September 26, 2025   //   ]

Bertelsmann Group-owned B2B and B2C logistics specialist Arvato is set to begin a major redevelopment of its Corby site in the Midlands. The project will involve demolishing 1960s-built warehousing, releasing around half of the site’s footprint for new clients or to expand services for existing ones. “We are already in advanced discussions with potential clients to move into Corby,” said Dennis Schmitz, who became Arvato’s UK Managing Director earlier this year.

He predicted that the UK would become a more prominent part for Arvato’s global operations, which include extensive businesses in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Australia, Dubai and the US, among others. 

“Our UK business has grown 500% in volume terms in the past 3-4 years,” he told FBJ in an interview. “We are now active in three verticals – fashion, healthcare and tech.” 

As well as Corby, Arvato also operates sites at Hams Hall, to the north of Birmingham, Kings Norton (south Birmingham) and at East Midlands Gateway. The Corby site was acquired around a year ago when the company was awarded logistics partner for Avon Cosmetics. The latter is currently the sole occupier of the Corby site but another will move by the end of the year from Hams Hall, having outgrown the site there. 

Arvato will invest in extensive automation at Corby alongside the development of the building, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and operational excellence. This includes the deployment of advanced technologies such as robotics and goods-to-person systems, which are central to Arvato’s global strategy.

“Our Hams Hall site already features advanced automation, which was recently expanded to meet increasing client demand and support continued growth. By adding automation to Corby, we create valuable alternative space for our clients, enhancing flexibility and scalability across our network”.

Arvato will consider further site developments in the UK, said Schmitz though the company would continue to be guided primarily by the needs of its clients rather than enter the speculative warehousing, especially in the tight UK Midlands property market. The company would also consider acquiring other logistics businesses. Until recently, this has not been a major feature of Arvato’s strategy as its growth has mainly been through that of its customers but it has recently bought some operations, for example Carbel, which significantly strengthens its footprint in fashion logistics in the US with global brands and ATC Computer Logistics and Transportations, which serves major brands in the ‘hyperscaler’ area. 

The UK meanwhile remains a growth market, despite – or possible even because of – Brexit. “Many of our clients said they needed a UK-dedicated set-up, not for just e-commerce but from an omnichannel perspective, too,” Schmitz explained. 

Part of the motivation for setting up UK operations has also been the growing scarcity of logistics labour in other countries such as the Netherlands. The UK situation is perhaps slightly easier in this respect overall, though the market remains tight in some regions, notably the East Midlands. 

Arvato has also set up its first bonded warehouse in the UK, at Hams Hall on behalf of a US-based sportswear client. Customs bonding is just one of an extensive range of value-added services, which also includes an extensive transport management capacity, giving clients access to a true one-stop shop, says Schmitz.

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