Postal operator DHL Express UK has completed the construction of a new facility on the western edge of London Heathrow Airport, which will bring together a state-of-the-art distribution center, service center and head office under one roof.
The 150,000ft2 facility, developed by Airport Property Partnership (APP), a joint venture between SEGRO and Aviva Investors, will be home to 750 employees and will manage DHL Express shipments for the South East of England. DHL will now begin moving its operations from its current premises, located at a business park to the east of Heathrow, with full migration scheduled for early 2017.
The cross-dock facility has been designed around the parcel sorting systems to optimize efficiency and enable 24/7 operations. This will increase the sorting capacity at Heathrow from 6,000 items per-hour to 28,000.
Alan Holland, director of APP and business unit director for SEGRO, 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 center 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 photovoltaic panels, water saving measures and air source heat pumps, CO2 emissions will be 40% less than building regulation requirements.
