diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index f81f1c7b4..e32fd37bf 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -41,6 +41,9 @@ While compiling policykit policy: `/home/user/jhbuild/install/bin/msgfmt: cannot
 
 `# sudo ninja install`
 
+## Distribution packages
+Scripts for generating distribution packages are available in the (contrib)[https://github.com/hughsie/fwupd/tree/master/contrib] for popular distributions.
+
 Adding a new plugin
 -------------------
 
diff --git a/contrib/README.md b/contrib/README.md
new file mode 100644
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+++ b/contrib/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+Distribution packages
+=====================
+The relevant packaging necessary to generate *RPM* and *DEB* distribution packages is contained here.
+It is used regularly for continuous integration using [Travis CI](http://travis-ci.org). The generated packages can be used on a distribution such as Fedora, Debian or Ubuntu.
+
+The build can be performed using Linux containers with [Docker](www.docker.com).
+
+## RPM packages
+A Dockerfile for Fedora 25 is available here in `contrib`.
+
+To prepare the Docker container run this command:
+
+`docker build -t fwupd-fedora-25 -f contrib/ci/Dockerfile-fedora-25 .`
+
+To build the RPMs run this command (from the root of your git checkout):
+
+```docker run -t -v `pwd`:/build fwupd-fedora-25 ./contrib/ci/build_and_install_rpms.sh```
+
+RPMs will be made available in your working directory when complete.
+
+## DEB packages
+A Dockerfile is available for Debian unstable and Debian experimental.
+*(Currently)* builds can only be performed in Debian experimental due to dependencies not yet available in Debian unstable.
+
+To prepare the Docker container run this command:
+
+`docker build -t fwupd-debian-experimental -f contrib/ci/Dockerfile-debian-experimental .`
+
+To build the DEBs run this command (from the root of your git checkout):
+
+```docker run -t -v `pwd`:/build fwupd-debian-experimental ./contrib/ci/build_and_install_debs.sh```
+
+DEBs will be made available in your working directory when complete.
+
+To use the packages, you may need to enable the experimental repository for dependency resolution.
+Additional information is available here: https://wiki.debian.org/DebianExperimental
+
+## Additional packages
+Submissions for generating additional packages for other distribution mechanisms are also welcome.  
+All builds should occur in Docker containers.
+
+Please feel free to submit the following:
+* Dockerfile for the container for your distro
+* Relevant technical packaging scripts (such as ebuilds, spec file etc)
+* A shell script that can be launched in the container to generate distribution packages