DP World has shipped over 10 million vinyl records from its Bicester facility, the UK’s largest distribution warehouse for music and video products, since opening in August 2023.
Powered by semi-autonomous ‘picking’ robots, developed by Locus Robotics, the warehouse has become the epicentre of physical music distribution in the UK, playing a key role in the ongoing ‘vinyl revival’.
Moving independently across the warehouse following worker input, the robots ensure a seamless blend of automation and manual precision.
Handling more than 70% of all physical music and 35% of home entertainment products sold in the UK, the 25 083 m2 facility distributed more than 20 million units across all product lines in its first year. It supplies some of the world’s largest retailers, including Amazon and HMV, as well as more than 400 independent record stores.
The facility has also seen significant growth in e-commerce sales, distributing approximately two million units direct to customers in 2024.
“The milestone shipment of Bicester’s 10-millionth vinyl record is testament to the work of our team to help support the revival of Britain’s physical music and home entertainment sector,” DP World Logistics Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) business development director, Neil Lander, said.
“With over 80 semi-autonomous ‘pick robots’, we have built a highly scalable and efficient operation, and we are very excited to continue supporting the UK’s thriving physical music industry.”
Sony Music UK CFO Christopher Crellin said fans loved consuming music in multiple ways, especially on vinyl.
“DP World’s state-of-the-art facilities are industry-leading and play a crucial role in supporting physical formats as an integral part of an artist’s career, which strengthens the music ecosystem for all,” he said.
David Sharpe, COO at Universal Music UK, said DP World had developed an “incredibly impressive facility in record time, and is now operating with near-perfect service levels”.
“Their quick delivery and impeccable work have been a real driving force behind the UK’s much-celebrated vinyl resurgence,” Sharpe said.
With vinyl sales continuing to grow year-on-year, DP World’s Bicester warehouse has become a key part of Britain’s physical music supply chain, facilitating the ongoing ‘vinyl revival’.
Since opening in August 2023, it has distributed not only 10.5 million records but also 13m CDs and 8m DVDs, with further growth expected across all three product types in 2025.
In addition to its hubs at Southampton and London Gateway, DP World’s end-to-end solutions include logistics, forwarding and European transport capabilities, integrated into the company’s global network.
Operating in 78 countries, DP World handles 10% of global containerised trade.
