DHL, the leading global logistics company, is to invest £90 million in its infrastructure to support Britain’s thriving export market.
With continued demand for British goods from overseas markets, this latest investment will increase capacity for express shipments across DHL UK sites and support its customers’ export growth ambitions.
Investments span across DHL sites in the UK and the two largest-scale investments will take place at the East Midlands Airport hub and Southern hub site near Heathrow, with DHL investing £90 million and £32 million respectively.
Additional sites in Manchester, Croydon and Sheffield will see crucial changes to their infrastructure including additional warehousing, sorting facilities and the most up to date operational processes to improve international trade, cut transit times and drive more efficient, sustainable supply chains for UK businesses. The investment will be fully realised by 2016.
Ken Allen, global CEO of DHL Express, commented: “This investment in the UK forms a key part of DHL’s global growth and service improvement strategy, following the recent investment of $177 million in the Middle East. With ongoing growth in the US and the development of our European hub in Leipzig, we’re strengthening our leadership position through improved service capabilities.”
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt. Hon. George Osborne MP said: “I am delighted that DHL is continuing to invest in the UK, supporting the growing number of British businesses selling their products abroad. This new investment is further evidence that our long-term economic plan is working and Britain is coming back. But the job is not yet done and we must make sure the world’s largest companies maintain the confidence they have re-gained in the UK if we are to build a resilient economy.”
Phil Couchman, CEO of DHL Express in the UK & Ireland added: “As we celebrate DHL’s fortieth year in the UK, this investment demonstrates our confidence and commitment to enterprise and British export businesses.
“We’ve already invested £2 million in our Oxford and Park Royal sites in the past two years and have seen the benefits that this brings. Developing our infrastructure is integral to support growth in the UK export market and will allow us to cater for future demand. International trade is a golden opportunity for many businesses in the UK and through this major investment, we can partner with and help facilitate success for them.”
As experts in international shipping, DHL Express offers guidance to businesses of all sizes who are considering targeting the global marketplace through export services. Its Export Advisors Service provides free advice for businesses, whether they are a DHL customer or not. The team of dedicated export specialists, can assist with export strategy and provide detailed information on customs regulations, legal and administrative differences as well as local insight.