McDonald’s opens new distribution centre in Darlington

The 130,000 square foot factory – run by Martin Brower from Symmetry Park – will supply more than 200 of the fast food chain’s restaurants across the North East. 

From French fries and burgers to happy meal toys, the distribution centre stocks more than 400 different products from more than 70 suppliers. 

It will deliver to restaurants roughly as south as York and as north as Edinburgh, with the chain saying it will ensure fresher and faster deliveries. 

The new McDonald’s distribution centre in Darlington (Image: MCDONALD’S)

The warehouse, which opened on Wednesday (March 4), will also see driving times reduced by one hour, saving roughly 2.5million road miles each year and reducing carbon emissions. 

Parv Sangera, managing director at Martin Brower UK and Ireland, said Darlington’s history showed “what can happen when ambition meets engineering coupled with a unique sense of community spirit”. 

Ms Sangera added that the factory would be “another meaningful chapter in that story”, adding: “What makes this truly special is not just the amazing building but the people who bring it to life”. 

Laura Henderson, vice president of supply chain at McDonald’s UK and Ireland, branded it an important milestone, saying the Darlington site positions the company in its aim to open 250 new restaurants between 2024 and 2028.

The new McDonald’s distribution centre in Darlington (Image: MCDONALD’S)

“Darlington is more than a building, it is a statement of intent”, she told an audience of workers and guests at the event on Wednesday.

“It will serve the McDonald’s UK system for years to come and I couldn’t be prouder.”

McDonald’s say the warehouse is fully aligned with the chain’s ambition of achieving net-zero by 2040 and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions that is required to do. 

It has also been built to ‘BREEAM Excellent’ standards, featuring on‑site solar generation as well as 13 electric car chargers and 17 electric trailer points that support cleaner transport.

Workers at the factory have already completed more than 2,000 hours of volunteering work in the area, including at the Hopetown Museum.

The new McDonald’s distribution centre in Darlington (Image: MCDONALD’S)

Ms Henderson 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.”

Ms Sangera added: “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.”