The construction of DHL Express UK’s new South East operation and Head Office in Colnbrook, on the western edge of Heathrow Airport, has reached completion. 

The 150,000 sq ft facility, developed by the Airport Property Partnership (APP), a joint venture between SEGRO and Aviva Investors, is part of a major UK investment plan by DHL. 

The new site will see DHL Express relocate its Head Office and South East operation from its current smaller premises at APP's Orbital Park, Heathrow. With a phased transition, the new Colnbrook site will be fully operational in early 2017.

The cross-dock facility will be home to 750 employees and manage DHL Express shipments for the South East of England. Designed around the DHL parcel sorting machinery to optimise its efficiency and allow 24/7 operation, the site will bring together DHL’s Distribution Centre, Service Centre and Head Office in one purpose built facility.   

The move comes as DHL Express’ UK business continues to grow. Responding to the rapid rise in international shipping and ecommerce, the new site will see capacity increase from 6,000 items per-hour to 28,000, allowing DHL to continue to meet customers’ growing requirements. 

Alan Holland, Director of APP and SEGRO's Business Unit Director for Greater London, said:

“It’s great to announce that we have reached completion of this development for DHL Express. This state of the art facility will provide the additional capacity which the company needs in order to cater for the significant growth they are experiencing. DHL Express is an important customer of APP, and as a result of our long-term relationship with them, we have been able to work together to ensure that this new unit meets their exact specification.”
Phil Couchman, CEO DHL Express UK and Ireland, said:

“I’m thrilled that our operation will soon be moving into this impressive new facility. APP and Buckinghams have worked in partnership with us to ensure that the site is wholly tailored to our needs. This means that not only will our capabilities increase - helping us maintain the high level of service we deliver to our customers - but we’ll also provide a first class, modern and sustainable workspace for our people. Our motivated employees are at the centre of everything we do and I very much look forward to welcoming them to what will be a fantastic new working environment.”

John Baird, Programme Director, DHL Express UK, said:

“This brand new state of the art facility incorporates the latest technology and security options. Providing increased efficiency and sustainability, the new building gives our business the capacity and capability to meet our customers’ growing needs for many years to come. Delivered on time and on budget, the project has been a brilliant success and I look forward to seeing it in action in 2017.”

The facility also boasts strong sustainability credentials. Through the installation of photo-voltaic panels and the implementation of water saving measures and air source heat pumps, CO2 emissions will be reduced by 40% against building regulations requirements.  The building will achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings.