The opening of the new site, its 20th UK premises, is a key step in its ambitious 2025 growth strategy, which will see it grow from 19 to 25 branches this year, with further openings billed across the South and East of England.

Digraph, which is part of the LKQ UK & Ireland group, will now be able service a wider range of customers across the North East. It will boast more than 2,600 SKUs on site, with an additional 14,000 available through next day delivery, facilitated by its close links with LKQ’s 1 million sq ft T2 logistics hub in Tamworth.

Since being acquired by LKQ UK & Ireland in 2023, LKQ Digraph has expanded significantly, enjoyed record sales and even earned the accolade of the IAAF’s 2024 CV Distributor of the Year. The addition of six new branches in 2025 means the business can increase access to its unrivalled product range while also boosting customer engagement across its network.

Digraph’s growth will be underpinned by a commitment to giving back to the communities in which the business operates. In 2024, LKQ donated more than £64,000 to community initiatives and local charities through its network of LKQ Euro Car Parts and Digraph branches.

Nick Bellwood, managing director at LKQ Digraph said: “We have ambitious plans to expand our footprint throughout 2025, and the opening of our Sunderland branch is just the beginning.

“Behind our bricks and mortar branches there’s an intricate logistics network that keeps everything running smoothly which we’re constantly working to improve, allowing our customers to get their vehicles back on the road as soon as possible. The money we’re investing is indicative of our commitment to delivering top customer service and unrivalled product availability.”

Matt Downing, regional manager at LKQ Digraph, added: “It’s great to bolster LKQ Digraph’s presence in the North East with the opening of the Sunderland branch.

“Here, we’re bringing together Digraph’s unrivalled HGV, coach and bus parts offering with LKQ UK & Ireland’s established logistics know-how to offer a market-leading proposition. We look forward to building customer networks across the region and supporting them in keeping their fleets moving.”