NEWS SUMMARY:
- Volvo Group makes a £24 million investment to strengthen parts distribution and Service Market support for UK & Ireland
- Purpose-built design will enhance parts availability, increase picking efficiency and support Volvo Group's growing vehicle parc
- New hub designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification and EPC 'A' rating
The new warehouse is being built on a prime 4.7-acre plot at the entrance to SEGRO Park Coventry and will see the transfer of all operation parts currently based in Rugby. Site access is planned for early 2027, with the automated storage system set to introduce this technology to a Volvo Group warehouse in Europe for the first time. The facility is expected to be fully operational in the second half of 2027.
The move is expected to accommodate both existing and new employment opportunities for the local community. The design aims to improve efficiency, sustainability and first-time pick accuracy, while ensuring the site can meet demand from Volvo Group's growing vehicle parc and expanding presence in the industrial and marine engine sectors.
Sabrina Loyer, General Manager, Service Operations & Technology, Volvo Group UK, said: “The move to Coventry represents a significant investment in the future of our parts distribution network and a key milestone in supporting Volvo Group UK's continued growth. As customer expectations and operational demands evolve, it is essential that we invest in facilities that provide both the capacity and flexibility needed to support our long-term ambitions.”
Built for efficiency
Automated parts picking will be implemented in a portion of the site, plus a bespoke-built layout is being adopted to increase the efficiency of both inbound and outbound goods, minimising the risk of delays. Dedicated battery storage facilities will be added in a second phase, to support the continued roll-out of electric trucks and buses into the market. Once fully operational, the Coventry hub is expected to fulfil more than 1.3 million order lines each year.
Peter Devos, Head of Service Operations Gent & Europe, Service Operations & Technology, Volvo Group, said: “RDC Coventry marks an important first step in developing our European service and distribution structure. It will strengthen our resilience and help us deliver even higher uptime for our customers, supporting Volvo Group's ambitious growth plans. I want to thank everyone involved for the great work so far, and I look forward to cutting the ribbon in 2027 together with our colleagues in the UK and Ireland.”
Committed to sustainability
The new building has been designed to BREEAM Excellent certification standards, placing it in the top 10 per cent of UK buildings for sustainability, and signifying best-in-class performance for energy efficiency, water conservation and occupant health. It will also have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) 'A' rating, placing it in the highest possible energy efficiency band.
The design maximises the use of natural light across the warehouse and office areas, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and contributing to reducing the site's overall energy use.
Part of a global effort
The Coventry hub is one of several automation investments underway across the Volvo Group's global service network, alongside facilities in Tacoma (USA) and Lyon (France), and a recently commissioned system in Sydney (Australia) — part of a wider effort to strengthen uptime and service growth for customers worldwide.
