McDonald’s UK & Ireland and global supply chain partner Martin Brower have opened a new state-of-the-art distribution centre in Darlington, marking a significant investment in the North East and creating more than 200 local jobs.

The 138,000 sq ft facility will supply more than 200 McDonald’s restaurants across the region, supporting faster and more efficient deliveries while strengthening the company’s supply chain network. By locating the centre in Darlington, average drive times to restaurants will be reduced by around one hour, cutting approximately 2.5 million road miles every year and helping to lower carbon emissions across McDonald’s logistics operations.

The scale of the operation highlights the complexity behind McDonald’s UK supply chain. More than 70 suppliers deliver over 400 different products into the distribution centre, where they are stored, sorted and dispatched to restaurants across the North East.

Sustainability has been a core consideration in the development of the new site, which supports McDonald’s wider ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2040. The facility has been built to BREEAM Excellent standards and includes on-site solar power generation alongside a significant electric vehicle infrastructure. This includes 13 electric vehicle charging points for cars and 17 electric trailer charging points designed to support cleaner transport across the network.

The centre also incorporates a specialised frozen-chilled-ambient cold chain, enabling multiple temperature-controlled products to move efficiently through a single facility before being delivered to restaurants.

The opening of the site was marked with a launch event attended by members of Darlington Borough Council, including council leader Stephen Hark. Guests were given a tour of the facility and introduced to the teams responsible for delivering the project.

Representatives from both companies attended the event, including Laura Henderson, vice president of supply chain at McDonald’s UK & Ireland, and Parv Sangera, managing director at Martin Brower UK & Ireland.

Henderson said the facility represents a major milestone for McDonald’s operations in the UK while also reinforcing the company’s commitment to the region.

“The new distribution centre is a major milestone for our business and demonstrates our commitment to the North East,” she said.

“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.”

Sangera added that the facility reflects the long-standing partnership between Martin Brower and McDonald’s and the companies’ shared focus on innovation and resilience in supply chain operations.

“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,” he said.

“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.”