Aldi is creating new roles across warehouse operations, logistics and transport as it expands activity at its 1.3 million sq ft Bardon Distribution Centre.
The retailer said the Leicestershire facility is expected to become the UK’s largest supermarket distribution centre. Once fully operational, it will have the capacity to handle approximately seven million pallets annually, supplying Aldi stores throughout the Midlands and other regions.
Bardon began operating in May 2026 and represents Aldi’s first automated distribution centre in the UK. Fresh produce has already started moving through the site, strengthening the retailer’s supply chain capabilities in line with wider food distribution trends and developments in food processing technology.
Aldi has committed more than £500m to the centre as part of a £1.6bn investment programme supporting its expansion across the UK. The company said the project would provide “long-term careers for new starters and experienced logistics colleagues”.
Operations at Bardon will continue to scale over the next 12 months. During this period, Aldi plans to recruit warehouse pickers, warehouse operations assistants and transport assistants.
The expansion highlights the growing importance of automation, workforce development and supply chain resilience across the food and beverage industry trends landscape. It also reflects broader food manufacturing trends, as retailers and suppliers invest in infrastructure capable of supporting changing food and drink consumer trends.
Jonathan Heaton, managing director of Bardon at Aldi, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming more people to the Bardon team as recruitment continues over the coming months. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to build a career in logistics, whether they’re just starting out or bringing previous experience, and to build the technical skills that are increasingly valuable in modern supply chain operations.
“We’re also proud to be working with local colleges and employment partners to help create opportunities for people across Leicestershire. Every new colleague joining Bardon will play an important role in supporting Aldi’s continued growth and helping us build our future distribution network.”
Aldi is also among 40 retailers to have joined Opening Shift, a collaboration involving the government and the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The initiative aims to provide 11,000 work experience placements for people aged between 18 and 24.
By the end of the current Parliament, the programme aims to support the creation of 100,000 jobs for young people across the sector. The initiative comes as businesses respond to evolving food and drink industry innovation, food and drink sustainability priorities and changing expectations around employment and skills.
Minister for Employment Andrew Western MP said: “This is great news for people across Leicestershire.
“We are determined to get people back to work in every postcode by transforming Jobcentre Plus and accelerating our £2.5 billion youth employment support package, creating up to one million opportunities for young people to earn or learn.”
As Aldi develops its distribution network, the project will also sit alongside wider changes affecting food and drink regulations, food and drink packaging and food and drink marketing. Together, these developments continue to shape investment decisions across the UK grocery and food supply sectors.