DHL opens new international logistics centre in Poznan

On Friday, DHL Group marked the opening of its new international logistics centre in Robakowo, near Poznan in Poland. The parcel sorting and logistics centre is a joint project of DHL eCommerce, Post + Parcel Germany, and DHL Freight. DHL says the facility is designed to deliver enhanced service quality and faster lead times to customers.

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The international logistics centre is the result of an investment of around 180 million euros. Spanning 32,000 sqm, it features 3,000 metres of conveyor belts and a sorting capacity of 45,000 parcels per hour. Around 500 employees will work at the centre, which can handle as many as 1 million parcels a day.

In addition, DHL Freight operates a terminal dedicated to processing palletized shipments and less-than-container-load cargo for its Polish and European customers.

According to DHL, the facility one of Europe’s largest and most advanced centres for parcel sorting and logistics.

“With the new International Logistics Centre, we are expanding our capacities and capabilities to meet the growing e-commerce shipment volumes. This facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will improve quality of service, making it a distinctive addition to our European network. It will reduce transit times to many European markets, particularly between Germany and Poland, underlining our commitment to providing our customers with fast and reliable cross-border shipping services,” said Tobias Meyer, CEO of DHL Group.

In its press release, DHL described the strategic importance of the Poznan location was a critical factor in its selection. The company says that many international retailers and e-tailers use Poland as a hub for their e-commerce shipments to and from Europe, especially Germany. DHL adds that major retail brands and e-tailers have established their fulfillment centres and warehouses in Western Poland, making it an increasingly important e-commerce gateway to Europe.

The German logistics giant also notes that the domestic parcel market in Poland has experienced extraordinary growth of nearly 120 percent over the past five years, primarily fueled by the surge in e-commerce.

In addition to international e-commerce and national Polish parcel volumes, the facility will handle shipments for Post + Parcel in Germany, including domestic volumes to and returns from Germany. The Poznan hub will have direct linehaul connections to all parcel hubs in Germany, Poland, and many other European countries.

The facility also features a terminal for DHL Freight that encompasses 4,170 square metres with 50 cross-docks and 1,360 square metres of office space. The terminal, a replacement for the terminal in Koninko, offers import connections from Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark, as well as export connections and vice versa.

Providing daily road freight connections, temporary storage, and consolidation of less-than-truckload shipments, the terminal is said to play a crucial role in DHL Freight’s European network, catering to various industries including automotive, retail/consumer, and technology sectors.

Finally, when it comes to sustainability, the centre has a photovoltaic system that provides one-third of the facility’s energy needs. The remainder is supplied by purchased green power, minimising the use of fossil energy. Moreover, the facility uses a variety of environmentally friendly transportation solutions. Electric trucks move trailers and containers, eliminating exhaust and engine noise. The centre also has 40 charging stations for electric cars, vans and trucks, while an automated traffic management system at entrances and exits reduces vehicle waiting times and minimises noise and emissions.