The new NZ$15.3m (€9.9m) facility is part of the company's global investment to bolster network connectivity and will employ approximately 130 people. This expansion follows double digit volume and shipment growth.
The new Auckland Gateway facility encompasses approximately 5,000 square metres and doubles the processing capability of the previous facility. This also provides access to a network of more than 200 countries and territories globally, allowing New Zealand importers and exporters to trade in the global marketplace more efficiently than before.
Ken Lee, CEO, DHL Express Asia Pacific, commented: "International trade via imports and exports now comprises approximately 60% of New Zealand's overall economic activity - and is growing. DHL Express is proud to facilitate trade for local businesses via our international network that connects New Zealand with over 220 countries and territories globally. The most popular trading partners for goods moving in and out of this Auckland-based facility include Australia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK and the US, with all trade lanes showing solid performance in recent months."
In keeping with the company's express delivery promise, new automated technologies have been installed to allow inbound and outbound freight to be processed twice as quickly, moving from approximately 1,100 shipments per hour to 2,400. The new technology aims to reduce double handling, thereby maintaining the integrity of the shipment and increasing efficiency and throughput. Each shipment will only be handled twice during processing, once for unload and once for reload.
The TAPA 'A' rated facility also boasts several industry-leading features, including high speed reweigh machines for scanning shipments and telescopic extendable conveyors, which improves productivity levels for unloading. To further enhance shipment security, the facility is equipped with 360 degree closed circuit televisions, which provide round-the-clock monitoring services.
Finally, as part of DHL's Environmental Protection Programme, GoGreen, the company has installed environment-friendly technologies such as daylight sensor LED lighting, which will reduce carbon emissions by 65% compared to traditional lighting solutions.
