DHL Express welcomed the Rt. Hon Chris Grayling MP, Secretary of State for Transport, to open its new Southern Hub, on the western edge of Heathrow Airport.
The site, which forms part of an investment plan first announced in 2014, is now home to over 750 employees and plays a crucial role in DHL’s UK operation, managing DHL Express shipments for the South East of England.
Chris Grayling toured the 150,000 sq ft state of the art facility, led by new DHL Express UK and Ireland CEO Ian Wilson - who took up the role in January 2017.
The Secretary of State also spent time speaking with DHL staff at the site - which sees DHL bring together its Head Office and South East operation in one collaborative working environment.
A 65 million euro investment by DHL, the Southern Hub will operate 24/7 and ensure DHL continues to meet the growing international delivery needs of its customers for the foreseeable future. The new operation has the capability to process 28,000 pieces per hour, which is more than four times the capability of the previous site.
The new facility features a staff gym and offers agile working. It boasts excellent sustainability credentials through photo-voltaic panels, water saving measures and air source heat pumps. CO2 emissions will be reduced by 40% against building regulations requirements and the building will achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings.
DHL Express UK CEO, Ian Wilson said: “Our new Southern Hub ensures that we’re able to meet the needs of our customers long into the future.
“It also offers our people an excellent working environment and brings together multiple areas of our business, creating a truly ‘as one’ working environment – something that’s really important to us here at DHL.”
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “I am delighted to officially open DHL Express’s Southern Hub, a new state-of the-art facility that will help boost trade links between the UK and markets world-wide.
“Heathrow carries more freight by value than all of the UK’s other airports combined and this new centre will allow DHL Express to carry even more air cargo over the coming years.
“This hub opens at an exciting time as the Government is consulting on proposals for a new Northwest runway at Heathrow, which will help connect more British global customers than ever before.”
DHL Express Europe CEO, John Pearson said: “The UK operation is a key component of the global DHL business. The new Southern Hub will play a crucial role in enabling DHL Express UK to continue to support the thriving British export and import market.
“This new facility forms part of our wider investment programme, which will ensure DHL’s network remains industry leading and develops in line with growing customer demand.”