The move follows the creation of CMBC in November 2020, a joint venture between Carlsberg UK and Marston’s PLC, which included an existing inhouse logistics and depot network previously operated by Marston’s. The brewer will now invest to expand this network and its team in order to offer a single solution to customers of CMBC.

Previously Carlsberg UK had outsourced its secondary logistics requirements to specialist provider DHL Tradeteam since 2017. This agreement will conclude by mutual agreement to enable CMBC to provide a single logistics solution to its customers, whilst enabling DHL Tradeteam to optimise its network and how it supports CMBC on future solutions on a specific geographical or customer basis.

CMBC and DHL Tradeteam will continue to work together, unchanged until March 2022, when a phased integration will run until May 2022 to ensure a seamless operation for customers.

CMBC currently employs 550 people in specialist logistics roles including planners, depot staff and dray crews across 10 existing UK depots. CMBC will be investing in three new depots in Cardiff, Runcorn and the South East, creating around 200 new jobs. CMBC will also be investing in over 100 new HGV vehicles and vans, all with higher fuel efficiency than the current fleet.

Paul Davies, CEO, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company comments: “Investing in and expanding our own secondary logistics network, operated by our own team and utilising our own infrastructure is a great opportunity to offer all of our customers one logistics solution. Through this investment in people, technology, depots and vehicles, we aim to create the UK’s best logistics service, dedicated to the UK on trade. We thank DHL Tradeteam and its people for being a valued partner over the past five years. The relationships and knowledge we have built together will stand us in good stead for a smooth transition and in future collaborations.”