DPD Poland opens an advanced parcel sorting facility - HDR in Swędów near Łódź
Our Markets 16 April 2025
DPD Poland has inaugurated its fifth sorting center in the country - a strategic investment aimed at further streamlining logistics processes and enhancing the efficiency of handling small-format parcels. The new facility responds to the dynamic growth of the e-commerce sector and rising customer expectations regarding delivery speed and service quality to out-of-home (OOH) locations such as parcel lockers and pickup points. Its infrastructure introduces a new standard for the sorting and transshipment of small parcels.
Designed for an output capacity exceeding 35,000 parcels per hour, the facility was developed with a focus on operational efficiency, technological advancement and environmental responsibility.
Operational efficiency and flexibility
The new facility in Swędów addresses the growing market demand for fast, efficient delivery in the e-commerce sector.
"The implementation of advanced infrastructure, including a unique loop sorter, enables higher parcel throughput in a limited space - creating a new model for operational efficiency. Notably, the HDR facility is specialized in sorting small parcels, primarily for OOH deliveries and cross-docking operations. This new approach to facility design reflects evolving market needs and the necessity to tailor infrastructure to specific shipment profiles. The Swędów facility also complements the functions of our nearby hub in Lućmierz (HLU),"says Rafał Nawłoka, CEO of DPD Poland.
Currently, the facility features three advanced sorting systems supplied by BEUMER Group: a loop sorter with a capacity of over 20,000 parcels per hour and two linear sorters, each handling up to 7,000 parcels per hour. Additional efficiency-enhancing solutions are planned for implementation in 2026.
Parcels processed at HDR Swędów are transported in jumbo boxes, roll cages, and pallets. The site is equipped with 104 loading bays for line haul transportation (LNH), enabling smooth and effective freight handling. With the ability to process several hundred thousand parcels daily, it is one of the most modern logistics facilities of its kind in Poland. The site covers approximately 56,000 m², including 16,000 m² of warehouse space and 1,400 m² of office space.
Supporting e-commerce logistics
The opening of HDR in Swędów strengthens the Łódź region’s position as a key logistics hub in Poland, serving numerous companies in the e-commerce sector. Thanks to its central location and access to major transport routes, the facility will support both domestic and international operations, contributing to greater efficiency in last mile delivery.
"In developing logistics infrastructure and implementing new technologies, we are always guided by the evolving needs of our customers—both in the short and long term. We have observed a growing trend toward out-of-home deliveries and responded with a dedicated solution: HDR. Its purpose is to streamline the handling of small parcels and ultimately improve the delivery experience for end users. It is worth noting that around 70% of regular online shoppers in Poland prefer OOH delivery, which complements traditional courier-to-door services. That’s why we continue to expand our DPD Pickup network, which now includes more than 32,000 pickup points and parcel lockers" - says Łukasz Zembowicz, Sales and Marketing Director and Board Member at DPD Poland.
A step toward sustainable logistics
The HDR facility, located within SEGRO Logistics Park Stryków in Swędów, meets the stringent environmental and workplace standards required for BREEAM certification—awarded to buildings that minimize greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption while enhancing user comfort. The building has received a BREEAM New Construction certificate at the “Excellent” level.
Energy-saving features include zoned LED lighting, maximum use of daylight and an efficient heating system with destratification units, which recover warm air accumulating in upper warehouse areas. The facility is also supported by a 40 kW photovoltaic installation. Biodiversity elements on site include insect hotels, birdhouses, beehives and a wildflower meadow.
"The opening of the HDR in Swędów is an important step toward more efficient parcel operations and the continued implementation of sustainable practices in logistics. We are proud that this facility meets high standards in both operational and environmental performance, aligned with BREEAM certification. This investment not only helps us respond to market demands but also contributes to setting new standards within the sector" adds Maciej Głowacki, Chief Operating Officer and Management Board Member at DPD Poland.
BREEAM certification is not new to DPD Poland’s portfolio. Other certified facilities include the Zgierz sorting center near Łódź and the Warsaw 4 branch in City Point Targówek. Like the HDR in Swędów, these sites were developed in accordance with sustainable construction practices.
A comfortable working environment
In addition to operational and environmental performance, the HDR facility in Swędów also provides modern and comfortable working conditions. Efficient heating, zoned ventilation, and a professional air humidification system ensure optimal comfort for staff. The site is expected to create up to 350 jobs, with around 200 persons already on board.
Modern technologies and ergonomic workplace design are key factors in attracting and retaining staff, contributing to the overall efficiency of the facility.