National parcel firm DPD is coming to Wrotham, delivering 250 new jobs.

The company will occupy a new logistics centre that will be built by Panatonni on an eight-acre site off London Road that is currently occupied by Marley Tiles.

Marley Tiles is moving to one of the new units being created by Panatonni at Aylesford on the 90-acre former Aylesford Newsprint Factory plot, where they will join the likes of DHL, Fowler Welch and Evri.

The Aylesford site, known as Panattoni Park, is still under development by Panattoni, one of the world's largest developers of industrial buildings.

When complete, the £180 million investment is targeted to create 3,000 logistics and distribution jobs.

It is expected that all eight of Marley's present staff will be given the chance to transfer to the new location, which the company hopes will give it the chance to expand.

The new DPD centre will support online and high street retailers by delivering their customers’ purchases to their doors.

The centre will also manage collections from this part of the South East for onward distribution to customers.

The Marley site is conveniently placed for both the M20 and M26.

Tony Watkins is the development director for Panattoni. He said: "This is one of those exciting win-win projects.

"Marley's is a brownfield site in the Green Belt that can be put to more efficient use while also generating local environmental benefits in terms of its biodiversity.

“The project includes the delivery of a modern new home for Marley Tiles and helps keep its existing jobs here in the borough, thanks to our nearby development at Aylesford.”

DPD has agreed a long-term lease for a planned purpose-built 58,000 sq ft facility on the eight-acre site, subject to planning permission.

In addition to creating the equivalent of 250 full-time jobs on site, it would support a further 325 jobs in the distribution supply chain, and 429 direct and indirect construction jobs during the 10-month build programme.

Panattoni is to hold a public exhibition on its propsals between 2pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday, July 26, in Wrotham.

The public can also investigate the proposals here.

Mr Watkins said: “The Marley site has been used for manufacturing and distribution since the 1950s and today it offers a perfect location for state-of-the-art logistics, while also generating significant local employment."

He said: "The new centre has been designed to minimise its visual impact and incorporate the latest environmental technologies, such as solar pv panels and EV car charging, to create a high performing, environmentally efficient building.”