Rise in trade prompts record investment at airport sitefor global operator
DHL has opened a state-of-the-art gateway distribution and consolidation centre at Melbourne Airport.
The $20 million represents the largest upfront investment ever made by the company in Australia, and is designed to improve support for regional businesses importing to and exporting from Australia.
The DHL Melbourne Gateway facility is employing 100 people, and has direct airside links to airlines and cargo terminal operators. It measures 14800 square metres in total, comprising of a warehouse, office and open areas.
DHL says it will have the capacity to process 53 tonnes of shipments daily.
DHL’s Asia-Pacific CEO Jerry Hsu says the upcoming free-trade agreement (FTA) with China will boost demand for express logistics services into and out of Australia.
“China is Australia’s largest export market for both goods and services, accounting for nearly a third of Australia’s total exports, and a growing source of foreign investment,” he says.
“Going by previous FTAs with countries such as Korea and Japan, demand for Australian exports is only set to increase especially in the dairy, horticulture, mining and services sectors.”
DHL’s senior vice president for Oceania Gary Edstein says the company is experience growth in demand for international shipments moving via Melbourne.
“Almost 30% of our Australian volume currently passes through the Melbourne gateway, highlighting the trade requirements the Victorian state demands,” he says.
Key trade routes out of the Melbourne gateway include those to New Zealand, China, Singapore, Hong Kong and the US.