DHL Express Portugal has opened a new €25m (US$27.8m) facility at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, Portugal, that will boost its operational capacity and enhance its sustainable operations.
The 18,000m2 facility at the international airport will be able to process 6,500 items per hour for imports, an increase of 150%, and 5,000 pieces per hour for exports, a rise of 300%.
The terminal is equipped with advanced automation systems, such as x-rays and automatic weighing and measuring equipment, enabling fast, efficient and secure handling of shipments. The capacity expansion will enable DHL to support annual volume growth in the double-digit range, which will further consolidate its leading position in the logistics sector in Portugal.
Sustainability features heavily at the new site, with 119 of the 130 loading bays equipped for electric vehicles. The building is also equipped with solar panels, advanced lighting and ventilation systems, further reinforcing the company’s efforts to increase the carbon efficiency of its transportation and warehousing operations.
“Portugal has been one of the strongest performers in Europe in terms of economic growth in recent years, supported by healthy demand for Portuguese exports, and DHL Express is fully committed to enabling the country’s further trade development over the long-term,” said Mike Parra, CEO of DHL Express Europe.
“As usual, we are combining our investments in capacity with the addition of new technology that improves efficiency and reliability and supports increased sustainability, which we expect to significantly enhance the competitiveness of our customers in Portugal in their export and import activities.”
José Reis, CEO of DHL Express Portugal, added, “The inauguration of this new terminal at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto marks an important milestone for DHL in Portugal. It is a renewed commitment to innovation, sustainability and economic growth in the North of Portugal.”