The deal includes B&Q’s newly-built distribution centre in Swindon and its regional consolidation centre in Preston Brook, near Runcorn.
In June this year B&Q announced 615 redundancies at the site to take effect next year in a shake-up of its distribution network.
Job fears prompted MPs Graham Evans and Derek Twigg to meet union and DHL officials for crisis talks. Now, DHL will retain about 150 of those staff.
Retail union Usdaw is hopeful the company will be able to save more of the 465 positions that remain in doubt by winning more work for the site.
Usdaw area organiser Nick Gerrard said “This announcement by DHL is very welcome news as it will safeguard up to 150 jobs at the Preston Brook distribution centre.”
“DHL has confirmed that it will continue to search for further business for Preston Brook and Usdaw will continue to work hard alongside the company to try and save as many jobs at the site as possible.”
B&Q said the Preston Brook site will receive stock from other distribution centres and vendors. It will deliver an average of 250 store loads a week.
Rick Jones, B&Q value chain logistics director, added “We announced our plans to review our distribution strategy back in June. This led to the establishment of a new regional distribution centre in Swindon.”
The restructuring could cost up to 1,031 jobs at B&Q distribution depots around the country.