Bloomsbury moves its UK distribution operation to Hachette UK Distribution

16th April – Bloomsbury today announced that it would be moving its UK distribution and logistics to Hachette UK Distribution. The move will take place in early April 2025.

Simon Robson, Director of Global Operations at Bloomsbury commented, “The distribution landscape has changed considerably in recent years and Bloomsbury are delighted to be partnering with Hachette UK Distribution, who we believe to be best-positioned to support the company’s long-term strategic objectives and ambitions. The partnership will bring multiple benefits and efficiencies to Bloomsbury including streamlining our business model and aligning with our future sustainability objectives. 

We would like thank MDL for the exceptional service provided over the last 25 years and to which we owe a huge gratitude in supporting the remarkable growth of our business in that period”.

Nigel Newton, Chief Executive of Bloomsbury said, “MDL have been absolutely superb over the past 25 years. I shall never forget how they rose to the occasion of the immensely security sensitive Harry Potter new book distributions in the decade of 1997 to 2007, shipping 11 million units to all arrive under embargo in bookshops in 96 countries precisely one day before publication for the later books in that hugely anticipated series. I am grateful to all of them. We look forward to continuing to distribute through Macmillan in the US. I welcome our new relationship with Hachette Distribution in the UK.”

David Shelley, CEO Hachette Book Group and Hachette UK said: “As the home to the most advanced publishing warehousing technology in the UK, we’re extremely pleased and proud to be working with Bloomsbury on their distribution services. This is a significant moment in the ongoing expansion of Hachette UK Distribution and credit to everyone in the distribution team who have done an amazing job since the new site opened in 2018 and have been integral to the ongoing development of our business.’

Matt Wright, CEO Hachette UK Distribution said: “We are immensely proud to welcome Bloomsbury to Hachette UK Distribution. This move is a big vote of confidence in our market-leading service we deliver for our publisher clients. Our site in Didcot is now five years old – the new systems and automation are fully embedded and running extremely successfully. We have a relentless hunger to build, innovate and invest to improve continuously. We believe in strong, long-term partnerships, and I look forward to welcoming Bloomsbury to our growing list of publisher clients.”

Bloomsbury is working with both Hachette Distribution UK and MDL to ensure a smooth transition to supply services over the next 12 months.