DHL Express has opened its new Melbourne gateway facility to better support regional businesses operating in and out of Australia. The new facility took a total investment of AUD 20 million, the largest infrastructure amount invested by DHL Express in Australia.
Strategically located at Melbourne Airport, the facility employs almost 100 people. DHL claims to be the only express logistics company with airside access, providing direct links to airlines and cargo terminal operators. The 14,800sqm DHL Melbourne Gateway, which comprises of a warehouse (5,300sqm), office (915sqm) and open areas (8,600sqm), features state-of-the-art capabilities to enable shipment processing of more than 53,000 kilograms each day.
The TAPA ‘A’ rated facility also has several industry-best features, including two X-ray machines for scanning shipments, three telescopic conveyors that double shipment uploading and offloading capacity, as well as an onsite LED panel to monitor flight information. Dedicated Customs and Quarantine offices are housed within the facility and 100 closed circuit televisions (CCTV) have also been installed to provide 24-hour monitoring services and further enhance shipment security.
As part of DHL’s GoGreen program, the company has installed environmentally friendly technologies such as sensor LED lighting, reducing carbon emissions by almost 50 per cent.
Gary Edstein, Senior Vice President of DHL Express Oceania said: “We’re seeing strong growth in exports from Melbourne, hence the need to more than double our previous facility. Almost 30% of our Australian volume currently passes through the Melbourne Gateway, highlighting the trade requirements the Victorian state demands. This investment shows our commitment to offering Australian businesses with the highest quality express delivery service globally.”
The five key outbound trade lanes that will benefit from the Melbourne Gateway facility include New Zealand, mainland China, USA, Singapore and Hong Kong. Key export commodities from Australia include coal, iron ore, gold, meat, wool, alumina, wheat, machinery and transport equipment, according to the 2014 DHL Global Connectedness Index. Imports come from over 220 countries and territories that DHL operates in, with USA, UK, mainland China, Hong Kong and New Zealand topping the list. Mainland China remains as Australia’s top trading partner, with total trade in goods and services between both countries amounting to over A$159 billion.
