Hundreds of new jobs are being created by DHL Supply Chain at five of its distribution centres - including one in Kent.

It follows the awarding of a new contract from supermarket firm Morrisons to manage its wholesale logistics operations for six years.

Building on its 20-plus year partnership, the new contract will see DHL support the retailer with order fulfilment, store delivery and IT services to serve its wholesale operations, starting with 1,650 stores in the McColl’s Retail Group, exclusively served by Morrisons under its Safeway wholesale brand.

The operation will require 200,000 sq ft of warehousing space and 200 vehicles from five strategically located picking centres, in Bury, Lutterworth, Livingston, Bridgewater and Allington, near Maidstone.

The contract will create 550 new jobs.

Graeme Douglas, supply chain director, Morrisons said: “As we continue to grow our wholesale business, we are confident that DHL will provide the services and experience needed to serve our customers well.”