DPD - Proud of its impact within the local community
Based in Athlone for over 35 years, DPD has developed into Ireland's largest dedicated parcel delivery company, with 36 depots nationwide and a state-of-the-art sorting hub in Athlone that processes over 45 million parcels per year.
Interlink Ireland Ltd was founded in 1986 with 10 depots and a central hub based in Athlone. It is now Ireland’s largest dedicated parcel delivery company with 36 depots throughout the country handling in excess of 20 million parcels per year. In 2000, Interlink Ireland became part of GeoPost S.A., the parcels and express division of La Poste, the French Post Office. By 2006, business had grown to such an extent that the company committed €18 million to the development of a new hub and headquarters in Athlone. In February 2008, Interlink Ireland changed its name to DPD. La Poste united its express parcel companies under one single brand - DPD - providing customers with one united delivery partner throughout Europe and beyond.
In late 2016, DPD expanded further, doubling its hub size and trebling the sortation capacity from 7,000 parcels per hour, to 21,000 parcels per hour. The new Beumer cross belt sorter combined with the existing Van der Lande shoe sorter means that DPD has the most technologically advanced and efficient sortation system in Ireland. Seen as one of the key innovators within the parcel delivery field, DPD’s technological developments like real time, online track and trace, Predict, and the new Picture on Delivery, have completely revolutionised how parcels are delivered. Constantly focused on the evolving needs of customer and consumer, DPD leads the field in parcel delivery technology.
DPD takes immense pride in being able to sponsor the local football club, Willow Park. The sponsorship extends to both the team and the grounds, and it is truly rewarding for them to support such an important part of the community. Being able to contribute to the growth and success of Willow Park is more than just a sponsorship; it's an opportunity for DPD to give back to the local community that has supported it over the years.
DPD is also very proud to be able to work alongside some amazing local charities, including for example Lough Ree Access for All. DPD Ireland has sponsored a boat on the Shannon which has been specifically acquired and designed to enable those with reduced mobility and ability, including wheelchair users, to participate fully in and enjoy the experiences of Lough Ree and the River Shannon. This boat is the only one of its kind in Britain or Ireland. The new National Waterways Accessibility Centre in Ballyleague near Lanesborough has now opened its doors. This is a massive step toward making the River Shannon accessible to everyone. The National Waterways Accessibility Centre has a reception area, coffee dock, outdoor seating area and a full changing places toilet suite complete with an adult changing table and electric hoist.
DPD has also supported many other charities for example, Irish Wheelchair Association, Jack and Jill, The Good Bike Project, East Midlands Cancer Support, Ken Smollen Food Appeal , Down Syndrome Ireland Athlone, St Vincent De Paul and most recently Pieta House.
DPD's 'Schools Out for Summer' programme is specifically designed to offer young adults a valuable and meaningful summer employment experience. Through this initiative, participants gain hands-on experience in a professional setting, allowing them to develop important skills that will benefit them in their future careers. This programme is more than just a summer job; it provides these young individuals with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a real working environment, helping them to understand the dynamics of the workplace, the importance of teamwork, and the responsibilities that come with professional life. By participating in this programme, they are better prepared to enter the workforce with confidence and a clearer sense of their career aspirations. Additionally, DPD is proud to collaborate closely with its local university, TUS Athlone, to provide placement opportunities for their students. This partnership allows DPD to contribute to the development of future professionals while strengthening its ties with the academic community.
Earlier this year, DPD Ireland Head Office was honoured with the prestigious Great Place to Work certification, as well as being named as one of Ireland's 150 Best Employers for the third consecutive year with the Irish Independent. This recognition underscores its ongoing commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment for its team. The achievements extend beyond employment accolades. DPD has also been recognised for its dedication to sustainability, diversity, and social responsibility with a number of notable awards. It was proud to receive the Excellence in Sustainability & Climate Action Award at the Athlone Business Awards for both 2022 and 2023, highlighting the continuous efforts to minimise its environmental impact. Additionally, the commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace was acknowledged with the 'Investors in Diversity' Bronze Re-Accreditation Award in 2023. In recognition of its contributions to the community, DPD received the Social Enterprise Award at the SBI Awards 2023. Its focus on sustainable logistics was further validated with the Green Logistics and Transport Company Award at The Green Awards 2023. Finally, the dedication to safety and excellence in transport operations was recognised with the FTAI Truck Safe Audit Gold 2023. DPD is proud of these accomplishments and remains committed to setting even higher standards in the future.
DPD is are a proud local company with members of staff being present since it started. Its staff and their families are embedded in the community and DPD is proud to get involved in The Westmeath Independent Community and Sports Awards 2024.