DHL Express has opened an expanded Auckland Gateway at the airport to better support businesses operating in and out of New Zealand following significant growth in international trade.
The new NZ$15.3 million (EUR9.9 million) facility is part of the company's global investments to bolster network connectivity and employs approximately 130 people, including 20 new jobs.
As the company's major international hub in New Zealand, the expansion follows double digit volume and shipment growth.
The new Auckland Gateway facility measures approximately 5,000 square meters and doubles the processing capability of the previous facility. This provides access to a network of more than 220 countries and territories globally, allowing Kiwi importers and exporters to trade in the global marketplace more efficiently than ever before.
Ken Lee, CEO, DHL Express Asia Pacific, commented: "International trade via imports and exports now comprises approximately 60 per cent[1] 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 USA -- with all trade lanes showing solid performance in recent months."
The facility was officially opened by New Zealand's Economic Development Minister, the Hon Steven Joyce, alongside senior company representatives with approximately 120 customers, partners and suppliers in attendance.
Commenting on the investment, Mark Foy, Country Manager, DHL Express New Zealand said: "It gives me great pleasure to open this expanded DHL Express Gateway, providing our customers and employees with a world-class processing facility at Auckland Airport. As an international logistics provider, we are committed to helping Kiwi businesses export and import products to facilitate global trade.
"A key driver for this expanded Gateway has been the growth in New Zealand SMEs shipping products internationally via DHL Express. This expansion will assist with volume increases from all areas of the country, as innovative Kiwi businesses continue to tap into the global marketplace and reach international customers like never before."
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 fast, 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 (CCTVs) which provide 24-hour monitoring services.
As part of DHL's Environmental Protection Program -- 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).
Mark Foy added: "The 2015 DHL Export Barometer indicated an increase in exporter confidence due to exciting opportunities offered by new markets and innovation. Exporters pointed to Asian and Pacific markets, especially China, as offering particular opportunities -- with newer exporters, or those who have been exporting for one to five years, being the most optimistic. We share this optimism and our new Auckland Gateway is testament to this."
