DHL has opened two new storage facilities to bolster its supply chain resilience.
The Auckland and Christchurch warehouses will house pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer electronics and retail goods with a combined floor space of 12,500 sqm.
Matt Casbolt, Managing Director, DHL Supply Chain New Zealand, says the move will help DHL Supply Chain service the evolving needs of existing customers, while supporting the logistics leader’s ambitious growth plans for the New Zealand market.
“Over the past 12 months we have seen heightened pressures on global supply chains and an increased appetite for more robust local distribution capabilities,” he says. “This investment will empower New Zealand businesses and organisations with more resilient supply chain capabilities to support their respective growth plans and business models.”
The Auckland facility extends DHL Supply Chain’s capacity for consumer products, servicing the Retail, Consumer Electronics and Consumer Personal Care sectors. The added capacity will enable customers to adapt inventory planning strategies as market conditions shift, hold more safety stock, and reduce the impact on their supply chains caused by supply and port disruptions.
The Christchurch facility creates capacity for the distribution of critically important healthcare products to the South Island. DHL’s cold-chain operations will ensure pharmaceutical products can be stored at their ideal temperature range of between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, while specialised freezers will keep more sensitive products at ultra-cold temperatures. The facility is located within close proximity to Christchurch International Airport, as well as major arterial routes and forwarding hubs.
“Healthcare is one of the most important industries, so ensuring we have the right infrastructure and capability on-shore was a priority,” Matt says.
“This investment helps us manage the short-term surge in demand for pharmaceuticals, but it also ensures New Zealand has a robust healthcare supply chain to meet future demand as the market grows.”