DHL Express has announced the opening of a new 8,600m2 service center in Sydney, Australia. At a total of investment of A$50m (€36.7m), the company says this represents its largest infrastructure investment in the country since it entered the market in 1972.
Gary Edstein, CEO and senior vice president, DHL Express Oceania, commented on the expansion, “This multi-million-dollar investment is a true testament to DHL Express’s ongoing commitment to supporting the international expansion of Australian businesses. Our new Sydney Service Centre has been designed with operational efficiency and productivity at the forefront, benefiting our customers with industry-leading service and enhanced access to international markets. Ahead of the curve, this facility will cater to projected Australian demand for express cross-border import and export services over the next 10 years.”
The facility is more than twice the size of the one it is replacing and DHL states it is equipped with the latest industry technology and designed for optimal shipment processing efficiency. Housed within a clear span uniform structure, it features an automated material handling system spanning 1.1km with a throughput capacity of 4,200 pieces per hour.
A high-speed dimensioning and weighing system with multi-sided cameras ensures continuous monitoring of all shipment processing activities. Inbound and outbound operations are facilitated by two automated scissor lifts, 380m2 of castor decking and unit load device (ULD) in-feed and out-feed positions. More than 200m of automated distribution conveyors move processed shipments straight to 99 direct load vehicle positions, enabling simultaneous loading of freight for courier delivery.
DHL notes the facility has been designed to meet the internationally recognized Transported Asset Protection (TAPA) Level ‘A’ security certification, and features extensive closed-circuit television (CCTV) and high speed x-ray screening systems.